Student and teacher groups condemned NTF-Elcac for mounting malicious posters outside schools in Albay that red-tagged progressive Bicolano individuals and groups.

Posters have visibly peppered waiting sheds and around the building of the College of Arts and Letters and at Gates 3 and 4 of Bicol University (BU) since February 8. Posters were also seen on the grounds of Legazpi City National High School in Rawis, Legazpi City and inside Bicol College in Daraga, Albay.

Those red-tagged included United Church of Christ in the Philippines’ (UCCP) Pastor Rev. Dan Balucio; Bicolana Gabriela Regional Coordinator Nica Ombao; Tarabang Para sa Bicol, Inc. (TABI) executive director Aubrey Verzosa; Tabi staff Sherra Buen; ACT Bicol Union vice president Julius Espadero; Piston Condor leader Ramon Rescovilla; and Tau Gamma Phi-National associate adjudicator Ranny Morada Ugalde.

BU students immediately reported and removed the posters around their university. They expressed fear and concern over the incident.

“I feel discomfort. The campus seems suddenly tense. The posters did not name me but I am still alarmed because it happened inside the university… The campus should be a safe space for everyone and is no place for this sort of terrorism,” a BU student said.

Bicol University-University Student Council and councils from 18 colleges condemned the red-tagging in the university. They called for an immediate investigation and tighter security inside and outside BU.

“This collective response reflects a community that refuses to normalize harassment and intimidation in spaces meant for learning and development,” Rise for Education Bicol University said. “The malicious posters clearly aim to terrorize students, especially those who support the campaigns of progressive organizations. These actions seek to distort the truth, smear activism, and stop students from speaking out.”

According to the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) – Bicol, the posters aim to sow terror because of the upcoming 40th EDSA anniversary on February 25, when actions are expected in the province.

ACT Bicol Union condemned the red-tagging of Espadero. The group said the accusations and harassment against Espadero not only violates his human rights, but also threatens the security of teachers and other individuals who actively advance the rights and welfare of those in the education sector.

“Defending teachers is defending education. Sir Julius’ stand for a just, patriotic, and humane education system is a goal that should not be criminalized,” the group said.