Amnesty PH cites red-tagging as part of ‘deteriorating' rights situation
Laws like the Anti-Terrorism Act, the practice of surveillance and red-tagging of human rights defenders show that mechanisms of repression are deeply embedded in the system,' Amnesty International Philippines said on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Screenshot from Amnesty International Philippines video
Amnesty International Philippines on Tuesday said the human rights situation in the country is 'deteriorating,' citing widespread impunity, shrinking civic space, and the persistent red-tagging of human rights defenders.
In a statement, Amnesty International Philippines acting director Jepie Papa said the affected human rights defenders include journalists, indigenous cultural community leaders, and environmental activists.
'Laws like the Anti-Terrorism Act, the practice of surveillance and red-tagging of human rights defenders show that mechanisms of repression are deeply embedded in the system,' Papa said.
'The international community has already seen this, with HRDs, development workers, and journalists sharing their personal stories. Their voices must be heard, and their safety must be guaranteed,' she added.
Red-tagging is the act of labeling and accusing individuals and organizations of being subversives, communists, or even terrorists if they are critical of the government.
At Amnesty's press conference to launch its "Report 2024/25: State of the World's Human Rights" the same day, Philippine National Police (PNP) Human Rights Affairs Office representative Police Brigadier General Jerry Protacio said the police have no legal mandate to engage in red-tagging.
'Regarding on the issue of repression of dissent, the PNP does not possess any legal mandate to engage in the practice commonly referred to as red-tagging whether against individuals or groups,' he said.
'On the issue of enforced disappearance there are several individuals allegedly victim of forced disappearance. There are already temporary protection order issued to the Supreme Court in favor of those missing activities,' he added.
According to the rights group, the freedom of expression and association in the Philippines also is under attack.
'Laws like the Anti-Terrorism Act, the practice of surveillance and red-tagging of human rights defenders show that mechanisms of repression are deeply embedded in the system,' Papa said.
'The international community has already seen this, with HRDs, development workers, and journalists sharing their personal stories. Their voices must be heard, and their safety must be guaranteed,' she added.
Millions of Filipinos are still 'left behind' even when the Philippine economy improves during the end of 2024 and first quarter of 2025, according to Amnesty International Philippines.
'What really drives poverty and insecurity? This is the human rights issue, we cannot talk about progress while millions go hungry, live in slums, or fear violence for standing up and speaking out,' Papa said.
'Economic, social, and cultural rights are not optional—these are basic rights. Growth that excludes or disenfranchises marginalized sectors cannot be called progress,' she added.
The climate crisis in the country is growing, according to Amnesty International Philippines. This issue is affecting indigenous cultural communities, farmers, fisherfolks, among others.
Amnesty International Philippines also noted the 'political chaos' in the 2025 mid-term elections.
'Filipinos need institutions that withstand celebrity politics, institutions that uphold accountability no matter who is in the Senate and Congress,' Papa said.
Meanwhile, the organization said the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) was a 'brief respite' for the family of victims.
'By rejoining the Rome Statute, fully cooperating with the ICC, and prosecuting perpetrators outside of Duterte's case, the Philippine government through the Department of Justice (DOJ) can show that it can carry out credible investigations and deliver its promises of 'real justice in real time',' Papa said. — BM, GMA Integrated News
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