Carmilo Tabada, barangay councilor of Barangay Poblacion, Trinidad, Bohol, denounced the malicious article published online by the newspaper Philippine Star on May 25. The article stated that the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) allegedly arrested him in his barangay for violating the Terrorism Prevention and Suppression Act (TFPS). The article also accused him of being an NPA finance officer and the fourth most wanted in Central Visayas.

Besides Philippine Star, a similar article written by Alfed Dalizon appeared on the website Journal News Online on May 24.

In this version of the article, authorities arrested Tabada in his home as a result of a “manhunt operation” by the CIDG in Bohol. The article branded him as the Regional Finance Officer in Central Visayas. At the same time, it also identified him as a member of the Farmer Development Center-Bohol and chairperson of Karapatan Bohol.

According to the articles, the news stemmed from CIDG national director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III’s statements released on May 23. General Torre is the newly appointed chief of the PNP.

Tabada stated that, although the article did not mention his surname, he is the only person named Carmilo in his barangay and is currently facing a case of “terrorism financing.”

He claimed that such an article endangers his life. “The said news article, clearly endangers my life and tarnished my integrity as a person and a public official. The CIDG allegation that I was nabbed or collared is not true. The fact is, I voluntarily presented myself in Court and to the Chief of Police in Talibon to immediately post my bail last May 20, 2025 upon learning a warrant was issued.”

“I am vehemently belying this accusation and condemning this baseless and careless pronouncement and accusation of a PNP-CIDG officer who is supposed to serve and protect human rights of every citizen,” Tabada said.

Tabada confirmed that he previously worked with the mentioned NGO, which helped farmers in Bohol and fought for their rights to land and sustainable food production for many years. His service ended when he was elected as barangay councilor of Poblacion, Trinidad, Bohol in 2018.

It is worth recalling that authorities first arrested Tabada in 2021 for trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives by the CIDG PNP. The court dismissed the case after more than a year of his detention.

“I thought, I could already live in peace and safety with my family. But then, in December 24, 2024, I received a subpoena for another complaint of ‘terrorist financing.’ I am prepared to face the fabricated case against me in court, confident of my innocence.”

“I hope The Philippine Star, as a credible newspaper should have been more circumspect, to check the veracity of the story. Furthermore, it is better for Philippine Star not to use fake photos if there is none available.”

“Trusting that the mainstream media should not be a tool of ‘fake news and information” peddler, I hope my side of the story will be given weight to ensure my safety and integrity. I am very hopeful of your favorable action,” Tabada added in his statement to Philippine Star.

To date, Philippine Star and Journal News Online have not retracted the news nor apologized. Philippine Star also did not post Tabada’s letter on their website.

Meanwhile, Communist Party of the Philippines chief information officer Marco Valbuena condemned the CIDG for its baseless accusation against Tabada as allegedly an NPA “finance officer”. “It is utterly outrageous for the CIDG to implicate Tabada to justify the harassment against him, which is clearly intimidation against people like him who stand up for the interests of the peasant masses.”

“Within the framework of Marcos’ Memorandum Order 35, cases against mass-oriented and patriotic organizations and individuals promoting democratic interests and the rights of farmers, workers and other oppressed sectors are rapidly increasing,” Valbuena added. “The Anti-Terror Law and other reactionary laws are being used to justify political repression against them.”

Valbuena referred to Marcos’ National Security Plan 2023-2028 and National Action Plan for Unity, Peace and Development 2025-2028, which explicitly state the targeting of so-called “legal fronts” that allegedly “channel funds to the armed revolutionary movement.”

Valbuena reminded mainstream media to be critical of the fake news the AFP and PNP disseminates and endangering people’s lives. “I hope you will be careful and avoid falling into the trap of the AFP and PNP, who use the media as a tool to spread state-sponsored fake news.”

“Journalists truly have a powerful role in exposing the truth. I hope you will give space to hear the voices of the oppressed and exploited, and stand with them in their struggles,” Valbuena added.