By Mark Vincent A. Durano

Makabayan Coalition slammed the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr.’s series of red-tagging and defamatory statements against progressive leaders and candidates by filing an election offense complaint to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) yesterday, April 23.

According to Makabayan President Liza Maza, Torres orchestrated a campaign of harassment, disinformation, and vilification of the coalition to influence the elections’ results.

"NTF-ELCAC has once again weaponized public office and taxpayer funds to promote baseless accusations and undermine legitimate electoral participation," she said.

Moreover, the complaint asserted that Torres violated multiple provisions of the Omnibus Election Code and COMELEC Resolution No. 11116 on Fair Campaigning.

Besides red-tagging, the complaint cited partisan propaganda, false information dissemination during the campaign period, as well as unlawful electioneering and interference in the electoral process by a public official.

Last March 16, the NTF-ELCAC posted a press release linking the Makabayan bloc to the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

Makabayan mentioned that the anti-insurgency task force incited threats, intimidation, and incitement of violence that resulted in online harassment.

The statement also dubbed Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas’ call to abolish the task force as “opportunisting politicking” and accused ACT-Teachers Rep. France Castro of child abuse despite the Talaingod 18 case still being under appeal.

Additionally, Maza revealed that several red-tagging posters of Makabayan are posted in provinces such as Cagayan Valley, Mindoro, Bicol, and Cagayan de Oro.

The Torch Publications from the Philippine Normal University and The Catalyst from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines also reported that red-tagging posters were seen near their university premises.

Some Makabayan senatorial candidates and party-list nominees were also barred from campaigning in Polo, Mindoro this April.

Meanwhile, the Makabayan president stated that the coalition is being surveilled by military elements while campaigning.

"Kahit saan kami pumunta, sinusundan kami ng mga ahente ng militar. Malinaw itong pananakot, panunupil, at paglabag sa aming karapatan na mangampanya nang mapayapa at maipaabot sa publiko ang aming mga plataporma (Wherever we go, military agents follow us. This is clear threat, repression, and violation of our rights to peacefully campaign and lay out platforms to the public)," Maza stated.

Makabayan urged COMELEC to impose criminal and administrative penalties against Torres such as imprisonment or disqualification, as well as prioritize investigating the case in light of the 2025 Midterm Elections.

"This complaint is about protecting not just Makabayan and the rights of our candidates but of every Filipino who dares to stand for change. It is also a strong argument for the government to finally abolish the NTF-ELCAC, which systematically undermines all efforts to build genuine democracy in the country," the former lawmaker added.

Furthermore, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel considered President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. as a mastermind for campaigning disinformation, following his firmness to ‘never’ abolish NTF-ELCAC.

Manuel also asserted that red-tagging attacks genuine youth representation.

“Bukod sa nililinlang nila ang mga tao sa red-tagging nila, nakikita natin ito bilang (Besides deceiving people with their red-tagging, we see this as a) blatant attack against genuine youth representation. Gusto nila tayong harangan (They want to hinder us) to make room for more of the same old trapos in Congress who will serve their selfish interests,” he expressed.

Last year, the Supreme Court also released a ruling declaring that red-tagging threatens a person's right to life, liberty, or security.

Complainants include Maza, Castro, Brosas, Manuel, Moro leader Amirah Lidasan, and Bayan Muna nominee Maria Kristina Conti.

(Photo courtesy of Team Liza Maza for Senator)