By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — Mia Tonogbanua, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Amnesty International Philippines, asked why the youth were at the center of attention when it comes to human rights activism.
In a press conference in Luxent Hotel, Tonogbanua cited the stories of three human rights activists, one of which, lives in Baguio City.
Another human rights defender was charged with three counts of violation of the Anti-Terrorism Law, but was subsequently exonerated of the charges.
Tonogbanua said that these human rights activists turned their fears into courage.
It recommended the review with due diligence of Meta.
Since 2021, Amnesty International had been implementing its program for children in Kenya.
Human rights activists, as well as journalists, slammed the implications of the passage into law of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Tonogbanua added that the school administration is also urged to put up a mechanism in which a slight indication of red-tagging experienced by students may reported.
“Kung hindi man sila sumunod ngayon, hindi tayo titigil sa panawagan sa Meta on content moderation,” Tonogbanua said.
In a recent ruling of the Supreme Court, it said that red-tagging is inimical to the safety and security of the individual being red-tagged by the National Task Force to End Local Armed Communist (NTFELCAC).
Wilnor Papa, Task Force Manager, cited that red-tagging had been prevalent especially during the existence of NTF-ELCAC.
Papa noted that red-tagging had been operationalized during the distribution of “ayuda”, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic (2020-2022), which has even been intensified online by state actors.
Ads and online campaign materials against human rights critics and activists have been continuously resorted to by state actors, according to Papa.
They recommended that the government and state forces must end the red-tagging activities.
Papa sressed that the NTF-ELCAC should have already been abolished, adding that the Anti-Terrorism Law should be repealed.
Human Rights Defenders Act should be passed into law, Papa said.
Papa expessed the fears that human rights activities are being described as violative of the Anti-Terrorism Law.
He urged Meta for at least content moderation, and for the government to set specific guidelines as private corporate businesses are operating based on rules and regulations set by the government.
There are organized groups which are not part of the Amnesty Report such as those who complained of not receiving “ayuda” and in the process they were red-tagged.
“Wala kasi tayong law against red-tagging aside from the May 2024 SC ruling that red-tagging is inimical to life and security of a person being red-tagged,” Papa said.
He added that there are many groups who are pushing for more protective measures not only on human rights activities but also to common Filipinos as well.
Papa stressed “we are now in the level that there are really harassment and threats whether online or offline against human rights defenders.”
*We are really working naman with other CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) , the academe, especially on human rights,” he said.
They signed on the open letter of youth activists to Meta.