WOMEN’S advocacy group Gabriela expressed its support for long-time activist and BAYAN Chair Emerita Carol Araullo in her legal action against Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz, whom she accuses of “rabid red-tagging.” Araullo is pursuing a P2-million damage suit against the pair.
Gabriela, which has faced similar accusations from the government, highlighted the targeting of its officer, Jovita ‘Obeth’ Montes, who has experienced increased harassment following red-tagging by Celiz on SMNI.
Montes is known for her work in providing psychosocial and paralegal services to victims of violence against women.
“Badoy and Celiz must be held accountable for their relentless red-tagging of women activists like Carol Araullo and Obeth Montes, who have long advocated for citizens’ rights. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling reinforces our stance: red-tagging endangers lives and violates fundamental rights,” said Cora Agovida, deputy secretary general of Gabriela.
Agovida referred to the Supreme Court’s decision on the Deduro petition for the Writ of Amparo, which recognized red-tagging as a “threat to life, liberty, and security.”
She noted that women human rights defenders (WHRDs) are particularly at risk, citing the 2022 disappearances of Elizabeth ‘Loi’ Magbanua, Ma. Elena ‘Loi’ Cortez Pampoza, and Elgene Mungcal — all linked to organizations frequently red-tagged by Badoy and Celiz.
Gabriela leaders, including martial law survivor Adora Faye De Vera and Agovida herself, have faced unfounded charges and further harassment while in detention due to alleged ties to the armed revolutionary group CPP-NPA-NDF.
“Recognizing the threat posed by reckless branding of dissenters as ‘terrorists’ is a crucial step in addressing the dire state of human rights in the country. To truly advance our struggle for justice, those responsible for these rights violations, like Badoy and Celiz, must be held accountable,” Agovida emphasized.
The group joined other rights defenders and red-tagging victims in a protest outside the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, where the case is being heard. Gabriela urged all freedom-loving Filipinos to continue the fight for genuine democracy and oppose state terrorism. (CBC)
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