UPLM hits ex-Duterte admin official for latest red-tagging of Mindanaoan lawyer

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 29 December)–The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) has issued a statement condemning the red-tagging of Mindanaoan lawyer Tony la Viña, who was again attacked by retired Army General Antonio Parlade for his continued support for the group of activists and educators known as the Talaingod 13.

Calling the latest red-tagging incident as baseless and malicious, the lawyers’ group cited La Viña’s record as a human rights defender, environmental lawyer, and peace advocate and said Parlade’s attacks stem from the Mindanaon lawyer’s legal defense of former Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo, former ACT Teachers Partylist Representative France Castro, and the rest of the Talaingod 13.

BOOK SIGNING. Lawyers Romeo Cabarde (2nd from left) and Carlos Isagani Zarate (R), and Prof. Ago Tomas await their turns to have their books autographed by former Law Dean Tony La Viña (L). La Vina’s book was launched at the Ateneo de Davao University on Tuesday (11 March 2025). MindaNews file photo by CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS

La Viña had expressed his continued support for the group after the Court of Appeals (CA) upheld the Tagum City regional trial court decision finding Ocampo, Castro, and other members of a solidarity mission in 2018 guilty of violating the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (Republic Act No. 7610) after they came to the aid of Lumad schoolchildren fleeing military anti-communist operations in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Following La Viña’s statement, Parlade on Christmas Day penned a post on Facebook titled, “WHO IS ATTY TONY LA VIÑA AND WHY HE LOVES THE CPP SO MUCH – Part 1.”

According to the UPLM, “this act by Parlade is a dangerous tactic that has now been squarely denounced by the highest court of the land.”

The group cited a landmark decision by the Supreme Court, the case of Siegfred D. Deduro v. Maj. Gen. Eric C. Vinoya (G.R. No. 254753), which declares “red-tagging, vilification, labelling, and guilt by association threaten a person’s right to life, liberty, or security” and may justify the issuance of a writ of amparo, a legal remedy for protection.

The UPLM statement said the Supreme Court’s decision was based on a clear understanding of the grave consequences of red-tagging, that labeling a person as a communist or terrorist could make them a target for vigilantes, paramilitary groups, or even state agents.

“Parlade’s attack on Dean La Viña for performing his sworn duty as a lawyer is a direct assault on the right to counsel and the independence of the legal profession. By equating the zealous defense of human rights and clients with sympathy for armed rebellion, Parlade seeks to criminalize legal advocacy itself. This not only intimidates lawyers but undermines the entire justice system, deterring legal professionals from taking on cases involving activists, dissenters, and the marginalized,” the UPLM said.

The group said it stands in solidarity with La Viña and will hold Parlade directly responsible for any threat to La Viña’s safety “arising from these irresponsible statements.”

The group also calls on the Marcos, Jr. government, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to publicly repudiate Parlade’s red-tagging statements, adhere to the Supreme Court’s ruling, and ensure the safety of all human rights defenders.

As spokesman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC),  Parlade was a key figure in the Duterte Administration’s anti-communist campaign.

In September 2023, the Office of the Ombudsman reprimanded Parlade, along with former official Lorraine Badoy, for his red-tagging activities. (JB R. Deveza / MindaNews)