A CAMPUS publication of the De La Salle University condemned the alleged red-tagging of one of its personnel and other groups.

Ang Pahayagang Plaridel denounced the ALyansa dagiti Agkaykaysa nga Mannalon Cagayan Valley for labelling student journalist Kai Reyes and other youth organizations as communists.

“Mariing kinokondena ng Ang Pahayagang Plaridel ang red-tagging ng ALyansa dagiti Agkaykaysa nga Mannalon — Cagayan Valley kay Kai Reyes, kasapi ng Seksyon ng Bayan ng APP,” the publication said.

“Tinututulan ng APP ang walang habas na red-tagging at ang pagbabansag na terorista sa mga indibidwal, lalo na sa kabataang tumutugon sa panawagang isulong ang interes at kapakanan ng masa at magsiwalat ng kapabayaan ng kasalukuyang administrasyon,” it added.

The publication warned that such activities put the lives of those red-tagged at risk.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines supported the publication.

The CEGP slammed attacks on student journalists.

“CEGP stands in solidarity with APP in condemning the state’s desperate move to stifle critical and progressive journalists only wanting to advocate, catalyze, and vanguard truth, change, and freedom,” it said.

“This type of assault on students has been prevalent ever since Duterte’s term which clearly shows how the president is afraid of the youth’s valor and clamor most especially in socially relevant happenings like his failed Covid19 response, continuous stepping onto our fundamental rights, and treachery to the nation’s sovereignty,” it added.

The group said that ALAM-CV claimed that Reyes was active not just in publishing feature articles, but also in “socio-civic causes” such as volunteering in relief operations last November in Cagayan and spearheading a community pantry in Tuguegarao.

However, APP stressed that advocating for the truth and helping others in need especially amid the pandemic is not an act of terrorism.

“Hindi terorismo ang pagpapahayag ng disgusto sa kasalukuyang kalagayan ng bayan. Lalong hindi terorismo ang pagsusulong sa kapakanan ng kapwa Filipino,” APP said.

The publication urged other campus publications to stand up against threats and harassment.