Red-tagging, media killings among issues raised in talk with UN expert — DOJ

MANILA, Philippines — United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion Irene Khan addressed concerns about red-tagging, media killings and impunity in a closed-door meeting with officials from the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday.

In a press briefing, DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez mentioned that Khan asked about the government’s stance on red-tagging. The DOJ clarified that red-tagging is not a part of the government’s policy.

“We explained that there is no policy of red-tagging from this government,” Vasquez said. 

DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres said that they told Khan that the government would pursue charges on state and non-state actors who resort to red-tagging.

“We ask that all the complainants and the evidence be brought forth with the Department of Justice and we will pursue appropriate cases to those who are involved in red-tagging,” Andres said.

The DOJ official also said that the Justice department will reach out more to civil society organizations (CSO) when it comes to handling cases of victims of red-tagging — so that they can help in obtaining evidence and aiding law enforcement agencies.

“Whenever there are concerns that are coursed through the CSOs, even with respect to red-tagging, we will partner with them to pursue justice against the potential and possible victims,” Andres said. 

The DOJ is a member of the government’s anti-communist task force, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Some past members of the NTF-ELCAC have been known to openly red-tag activists, journalists and critics during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The NTF-ELCAC was first flagged by the UN rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change Ian Fry.

Fry called for the abolishment of the anti-communist task force as it allegedly operates with impunity.

Media killings

According to officials from the DOJ, Khan also sought updates on the deaths of four media personalities, including broadcaster Percy Lapid, expressing concerns about impunity towards media practitioners.

“We explained that despite the that the accused is a high-ranking