CHR looks for right definition of ‘Red-tagging’ in inquiry

Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) started on Monday a two-day public inquiry into “Red-tagging,” or the practice of labeling individuals or groups as communists or terrorists, to come up with a “definitive definition” of the act.

In a press briefing, CHR Commissioner and spokesperson Beda Epres pointed to a significant gap in the current legal framework because of the lack of a law penalizing Red-tagging, adding, “What we have are existing laws that penalize acts, which are constituted Red-tagging.”

READ: Supreme Court: Red-tagging threatens one’s right to life, security

“The main reason why we are having this Red-tagging [inquiry] is in order for us to come up with a definitive definition of what really is Red-tagging,” he said.

The CHR, he added, would propose to Congress measures regarding the “correct definition” of Red-tagging, the acts constituting the practice and corresponding penalties.

For his part, CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc was hopeful the inquiry would help the commission “come up with concrete recommendations to ultimately address the situation through the willingness of duty-bearers and rights-holders to participate in this undertaking.”

The public inquiry is expected to gather perspectives from various stakeholders to develop recommendations for preventing human rights violations related to Red-tagging.

It will also collect testimonies from human rights defenders, legal experts and individuals affected by Red-tagging. Human rights group have long criticized the practice, saying it can lead to harassment, intimidation and violence. —Russel Loreto