DEFENDING those who have less does not make one a communist, much less a terrorist.
In what looks more like a jab to the military, the Supreme Court issued writs of amparo and habeas data in favor of four practicing lawyers who were allegedly subjected to red-tagging.
According to the high tribunal, protective writs have been granted to Rey Gorgonio, Joselito Macapobre, Analyn Mirano, and Ma. Anabelle Ilustrisimo.
The SC also warned Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Antonio Nafarrete and other military men from going within one kilometer of the petitioners and their family members.
The court directed the Court of Appeals (CA) to conduct summary hearings to determine whether the petitioners are entitled to the privileges of the writs.
The SC also ordered the military and law enforcement officers to file within 10 days a verified return before the CA.
In seeking refuge, the petitioners claimed to have been red-tagged and falsely labeled as members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army for human rights work and involvement in a non-government organization supporting farmers in Negros Island.
The AFP has yet to issue a statement as of this writing.
