Jasper The Cat and Red Tagging

In the Philippines and in many places around the world, anyone who criticizes or protests government policies are accused of being communist insurgents or enemies of the state.

In the Philippines, this attack on dissent is called "red tagging". When someone is red tagged, the government starts spreading lies or fake news about targets on public posters, television programs, or social media channels, branding them as terrorists or communist members or sympathizers. The targets are then subject to threats and surveillance by security forces. After that, the red tagged person is vulnerable to physical assault, being detained in jail, or even getting killed by military forces or vigilante groups.

Among those who are most targeted are journalists, lawyers, judges, opposition politicians, clergy and human rights activists.