News release

May 11, 2013

Are elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) behind the red-tagging and black propaganda against certain candidates and party-list groups? Kontra Daya raised this question as the poll watchdog continues to receive reports of such propaganda particularly targeting Makabayan senatorial bet Teddy Casino as well as party-list groups allied with the progressive bloc.

Reports reaching Kontra Daya said that alleged military elements held simultaneous candle lighting activities yesterday (May 10) in areas under the Southern Luzon Command including Lucena, Quezon province; Legazpi, Albay; Pili, Camarines Sur; as well as in areas in Mindoro and Sorsogon. Flyers signed by a group calling itself Anti-Teddy Movement (ATM) bashed Casino’s alleged links with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and urging the public not to vote for him were distributed during the candle lighting in Sorsogon. (See photo below) Similar flyers were also reportedly distributed in Daraga, Albay.

The poll watchdog pointed out that persistent reports of red-tagging is alarming given the unresolved cases of human rights abuses against political activists branded as members or supporters of communist rebels. Kontra Daya also noted that linking Casino and other progressive party-list groups and mass organizations to the CPP-NPA-NDF has been the usual propaganda of the AFP.

Kontra Daya said that government authorities, including the Commission on Elections (Comelec), should investigate these incidents and make those responsible accountable. It reminded authorities that the military should not engage in any partisan activity while reiterating that red-baiting abets human rights atrocities in the country. (End)