MANILA, Philippines — An association of media groups on Friday filed administrative and criminal complaints against officials of the government’s anti-insurgency task force over its “baseless and malicious Red-tagging” of activists and journalists, which they said not only infringed on their rights but also endangered their lives. ADVERTISEMENTOn Dec. 7, an administrative complaint was filed against them also in the Ombudsman by Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago and human rights advocacy group Karapatan. The complaint also cited the arrest of Manila Today news site editor Lady Ann Salem in Quezon City last week and that of journalist and Altermidya member Frenchie Mae Cumpio in Tacloban City in February. In defense of VillavertApart from NTF-Elcac officials, Quezon City Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert has also drawn controversy for issuing several warrants that led to the arrest of Red-tagged activists and journalists such as Salem. Lorenzana said that by complaining about Villavert’s actions, the Makabayan lawmakers essentially proved that they are front organizations of the communist insurgency.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 18, 2020 21:22 UTC