Red Tagging and Enforced Disappearances in The Philippines

Under former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, there was an increase of red-tagging (labeling political opponents as "communist rebels" without evidence) against human rights defenders, political activists, lawyers, clergy, journalists, trade unionists and other targeted groups.

When someone is red-tagged, they are vulnerable to harassment, abduction, arrest, or murder.

Red tagging has continued with current Philippine President Bongbong Marcos, with at least 16 activists and journalists victims of enforced disappearances during Marcos's presidency.

"Activists Keep Disappearing in Marcos's Philippines" by Nick Aspinwall for Foreign Policy
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/11/09/philippines-marcos-disappeared-act…

"Enforced Disappearances Still a Scourge in Philippines" by Carlos Conde for Human Rights Watch
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/11/enforced-disappearances-still-scour…

"No end to attacks against journalists while ‘terror’ laws remain in effect" by Altermidya
https://www.altermidya.net/no-end-to-attacks-against-journalists-while-…

"Cardinal David: Free political prisoners for Jubilee Year" by Lian Buan for Rappler
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/cardinal-david-mass-political-priso…

"Press freedom advocates, rights groups assail court delays five years after Tacloban 5 arrest" by the Manila Today staff
https://manilatoday.net/press-freedom-advocates-rights-groups-assail-co…

"‘They want to scare us’ | Accused journalist denounces gov’t over trumped-up charges" by Franck Dick R0sete for Bulatlat
https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/02/08/they-want-to-scare-us-accused-journ…

"Myles Albasin endures 7 years of detention, relishes love that surrounds her" by John Sitchon for Rappler
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/activist-myles-albasin-deten…