MANILA, Philippines — Over 300 activists and civilians have been killed, while over 2,500 have been “illegally arrested” in line with the government’s counter-insurgency operations, a former lawmaker said Tuesday during a Senate probe on red-tagging by military officials.
With these figures, former Bayan Muna party-list Rep.Teddy Casio claimed that there is “chilling effect” in red-tagging, saying it “kills democratic participation and healthy debate on issues of public concern.”
“Pag ni-red tag ka, siyempre pag-iinitan ka, matatakot ka at mas gugustuhing tumahimik na lang… Red tagging is guilt by association, with our accusers playing the role of judge, jury and executione…
Keep on reading: Over 300 killed, 2,500 ‘illegally arrested’ in anti-red ops, says ex-solon