Despi, Ma. Joevi Rhean S.

HUMSS 1101
Article: World Report 2024: Philippines | Human Rights Watch

RED: DEAD

In the recent world report of Human Rights Watch, they discussed how human rights
violations remain prevalent in the Philippines. One supporting topic that caught my attention is
red-tagging. Red-tagging, as quoted by Carlos Conde, means “the government is accusing you
of being a New People’s Army fighter or a supporter of activist insurgency.” To make it simple,
red-tagging only means your head is on the list and soon to be hit. However, it became a huge
threat for activists, journalists, and other human rights defenders who only wanted nothing but to
defend the security of the Filipinos’ rights and speak for change as red-tagging pervaded and
threatened their safety. This is more than just silencing a gabby owl; it is murder and the
acquisition of people’s liberty. Shutting down the voices of the front-row fighters little by little
makes them indeed vulnerable. Nonetheless, it will serve as a wake-up call for every Filipino to
see the dying democracy of the nation, and it will only take some time to make them learn to
raise their own voices.

Human rights in the Philippines should be respected by everyone. In this favor, the
government should investigate repeatedly any case that has shown violations of the rights of
journalists, activists, and all human rights defenders that have led to killings. Lastly, ensure that
justice will prevail and offer freedom.