Democratic organizations in Naga City and Camarines Sur welcomed the Naga City Council ordinance passed on November 13 regarding the definition and penalization of red-tagging in the city. The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Camarines Sur views this as the “fruit of the Bikolanos’ collective efforts.”

City Councilor Jessie Albeus and Youth Councilor Kerwin Ardinazo proposed the ordinance, “Defining and Penalizing Red-tagging in Naga City,” which explained the scope of red-tagging and prohibits public officials from engaging in it and using public funds. This ordinance is the first of its kind in the country.

Violators of the ordinance will be fined ₱5,000 or imprisoned for 1-30 days for the first offense, or both; ₱5,000 or imprisoned for 2-3 months for the second offense, or both; and ₱5,000 or imprisoned for 4-6 months for the third offense, or both. The ordinance also designates the Naga City Human Rights Action Center to assist in preparing and filing complaints.

According to Bayan-Camarines Sur, relentless campaigns and exposure of the government’s abuses regarding the implementation of the Anti-Terror Law and human rights violations against individuals and progressive groups in the province propelled the ordinance. The group added that the council heeded their concerns and documented cases of red-tagging in the province.

“Red-tagging and harassment campaigns in Camarines Sur have become rampant,” the group noted. In 2021, the 9th ID camped in peasant and urban poor communities in the barangays of Concepcion Pequena, Balatas, and Mabolo to intimidate and harass residents.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted frequent “information campaigns” in communities and schools to red-tag progressive organizations. Bayan-Camarines Sur also documented fake livelihood programs used as schemes for their surrender program “300 friends rescued.”

“The passed ordinance is proof that no amount of state attacks can obstruct the struggle of the people for their rights,” the group stated. Even with the ordinance, Bayan-Camarines Sur and its organizations will remain vigilant and assertive of their human rights.

Finally, Bayan-Camarines Sur encourages other legislators and local officials across Bicol to enact similar ordinances to combat red-tagging and other human rights violations.