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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Law is needed to criminalize 'red-tagging' -- Guevarra

Law is needed to criminalize 'red-tagging' -- Guevarra

Published Apr 27, 2021 02:44 pm

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra on Tuesday, April 27, said Congress should enact a law “clearly defining and expressly penalizing what is loosely called today as ‘red-tagging.’”

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra

“If the Congress is minded to criminalize red-tagging, it should enact the appropriate legislation,” Guevarra told journalists covering the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Right now, complaints may revolve around defamation, harassment, coercion, unjust vexation, or violation of privacy laws, but not for an offense called ‘red-tagging,’” he explained.

The law, if enacted, “may help reduce the problem of reckless endangerment.”

“It’s really something for the Congress to ponder on,” he stressed.

Guevarra’s statement was sought after House deputy speaker and Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed a resolution asking the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the red-tagging and profiling activities that forced the closure of several community pantries.

On NBI investigation, Guevarra said he will study the possibility of a probe.

“I will discuss the matter with the NBI ASAP (as soon as possible),” he assured.

In filing a resolution, Rodriguez cited that one community pantry in Barangay Kauswagan in Cagayan de Oro City was closed after its organizer was “red-tagged and systematically harassed with leaflets being circulated and posted everywhere.”

He said a restaurateur had also complained of being approached and “profiled” by individuals who introduced themselves as police officers.

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