RED ALERT SPEAKERS: COLLECTIVE ACTION IS THE ANSWER

BY XYRUZ BARCELONA | PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN MELVIN AREJOLA

THE POLYTECHNIC University of the Philippines (PUP) College of Communication Student Council (COCSC) hosted an on-site forum entitled, “Red Alert: Dangers of Red-Tagging and Union Busting to Press Freedom” on May 8, 2023, at the COC Audio-Visual Room.

In honor of World Press Freedom Day, PUP COC-SC conducted the forum to understand the masses’ red-tagging situation under the current administration.

“Nasa student handbook natin ang right to organize a peaceful assembly, kaya karapatan natin ang malayang pagpapahayag nang responsable at makatwiran,” said PUP COC-SC Councilor Joe Abella in his opening remarks.

University of the Philippines Diliman Student Council Kat Dalon, Bulatlat Editor Ronalyn Olea, and Patricia Non of Community Pantry PH were invited to speak regarding redtagging in the Philippines.

Dalon discussed red-tagging in the Lumad community and the state’s attacks against their people, emphasizing the persistent militarization in their community through the armed forces’ surveillance.

“Kapag may militar sa komunidad, ang daming limitasyon. Bawal magsaka hanggang magdilim, dapat magpapaalam ka kung saan ka pupunta, dapat magpapaalam ka kung lalabas ka sa komunidad, dapat alam nila ang papasok.”

The armed forces instantly branded them as members of the New People’s Army when they were caught wearing beaded bracelets, which is a part of their cultural identity.

Dalon also mentioned how 216 Lumad schools in Mindanao were closed during the pandemic, with 186 forcibly closed and others prohibited by the Department of Education.

“So ngayon, mahigit sampung libo ‘yong mga kasama naming mga Lumad ang hindi nakakapag-aral sa kasalukuyan. Nakakaguilty kasi tatlo lang kaming nag-aaral tapos sampung libo ‘yong hindi,” she added.

Dalon proved education is a privilege when she learned they were not studying for themselves. They were meant to go back to their community with the education they have attained.

She stressed the importance of collectively facing state attacks by setting aside the fear of being attacked and going outside classroom walls.

“Hindi naman sa classroom ‘yong totoong laban, e. Hindi naman ‘yong academic ‘yong totoong laban. Pinapatay ‘yong mga kasama namin, inaagaw ‘yong lupa namin, pinapatay ‘yong mga teacher namin, tapos magpapakulong kami sa academic?”

After surmounting challenges within their community, red-tagging was not enough to stop them from fighting.

Olea emphasized the need to fight redtagging given the killings of 427 red-tagged activists.

“Kapag gusto nila tayong takutin, matatakot talaga tayo, hindi natin iiwan ‘yon, pero lalakas ang loob mo kapag tayo ay marami—kapag tayo ay may collective action. Kailangan lahat tayo ay magsalita.”

Olea also encouraged student journalists to be critical and write what is beneficial to the masses, advising them to avoid “he said,” “she said” journalism.

Non highlighted the significance of food in joining the masses. She said that it is important to put your health first before your morality.

“Mahihirapan tayong maging matalino, aktibo, kumilos, maging matapang kung walang laman ang mga sikmura natin.”

Meanwhile, a mobilization rally entitled “Atin ang Malayang Espasyo: World Press Freedom Day Mobilization” was held at the COC Parking Lot.