CHR condemns red-tagging of students

Around 400 people staged a protest near the main office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Intramuros, Manila, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, to demand clean and honest elections. The protesters also criticized the Comelec for allegedly being ill-prepared during the conduct of the 2022 polls. (Photo from the Public Information Office of the Manila Police District)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Monday condemned reports of alleged efforts to impede the right to assembly and free speech, as well as the red-tagging of students shortly after the May elections.

In a statement, Jacqueline de Guia, executive director of the CHR, denounced “any form of intimidation, harassment and red-tagging of students and civilians in their exercise of civil liberties.”

De Guia noted how the Manila City government issued a memorandum to strictly implement the Batas Pambansa Bilang 880, or the Public Assembly Act, which requires individuals or groups seeking to hold rallies to first secure a permit from the city government.

This was after several groups held a protest in front of the Commission on Elections office in Intramuros on May 11 to condemn election irregularities.

She also took note of reports that University of the Philippines’ student athletes were stopped and interrogated by the Quezon City Police Department.

“While the commission recognizes and defers to local mandates to ensure public safety, we remind state and law enforcement officials that peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right,” De Guia said.

—KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING

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