Journalists condemned the red-tagging of Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio of the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court after dismissing the case filed against journalist Lady Ann Salem and trade unionist Rodrigo Espargo.
A tarpaulin sign along Shaw Boulevard in EDSA bared the photo and name of Ignacio with a message: "Maraming salamat Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio sa mabilis na paglaya ng kasama nating Lady Ann Salem at Rodrigo Espargo. Tuloy ang laban! Mabuhay! (Thank you Judge Monique Quisambing-Ignacio for the speedy release of our comrades Lady Ann Salem and Rodrigo Espargo. Let's continue the fight! Long live!)
At the bottom of the tarpaulin are the logos of the Communist Party of the Philippines, National People's Army, and National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) scored the red-tagging of the judge, saying that the move puts lawyers and judges in "danger."
"61 lawyers have been killed during the past five year of the Duterte regime. Hands off the judiciary! Stop killing lawyers!" CEGP said.
According to data shown by the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) on Monday, March 15, 61 lawyers have been killed during President Duterte's five years in power.
Independent media Manila Today likewise decried the "veiled threat" directed to Ignacio and other judges who "would dare to probe and expose the truth in the police modus operandi of using search warrants to plant evidence and fabricate charges" against activists, journalists, and critics of the government.
It also urged the public to condemn red-tagging and the continuing attacks against unarmed civilians by the administration.
"We should not wait for the time when all of those who dared to speak up against injustices have been silenced and tyranny becomes the norm. Time to act and protest is now," Manila Today added.
On Feb. 5, Ignacio cleared Salem and Esparago of charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, the judge also voided the search warrants of Quezon City Judge Cecily Burgos Villavert.