𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢; 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚.

Red-tagging (Defined: Red-tagging in the Philippines is the malicious blacklisting of individuals or organizations critical or not fully supportive of the actions of a sitting government administration in the country.) is not a light matter and shouldn’t be taken as such. To maliciously and carelessly redtag student activists and student leaders is not a matter to be taken lightly, and definitely NOT A JOKE. Redtagging puts activists, advocates, students, and even normal citizens in a dangerous place and a vulnerable state where they are threatened, violently harassed, and even killed by civilians, groups, and military forces.

To make a joke out of it is purely ignorant of the struggles faced by defenders of the rights of the people, who continuously fight for better public service and for the betterment of the society.

There are no excuses that could justify careless redtagging, be it on social media or in person. Redtagging, threats, and harassment are violations of the individual rights of the victims and are violations of existing laws of the land and of the human rights the victims have.

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For the past four years, my University has been plagued by redtagging and violence from ignorant students and military forces, which have put the safety of my fellow students at risk. And for the past four years we have let such culture prosper without handling it with the appropriate disciplinary and legal actions. As a result, hate and ignorance continue to grow and ignorant students have the courage to commit acts rooted in hate and violence because we let it.

Following the latest incident of redtagging, I have decided to file a formal complaint before the University administration against the people involved. Citing at least 11 provisions in the Student Manual they have violated and criminal laws of the land they broke in one thoughtless click on their phones, I am hoping and confident that proper actions will be taken by authorities and the administration.

Every day that we let such culture, actions, and mindset prosper is a day we let hate and violence take over our community.

Day by day, we continue to struggle. Day by day, we continue to fight.

Illustration by Sofia Martina (sofi_martina) for Vhon Michael in 2022 | Photo courtesy of Vhon Michael