Red-tagging of CDO journalist hit

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Media organizations have condemned the red-tagging of an editor of a local daily as they call on authorities to investigate moves to discredit private individuals including members of the press.

Accused as member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) was Leonardo Vicente Corrales, associate editor of the Mindanao Gold Star Daily.

Copies of a supposed document accusing Corrales, his wife and their son as well as members of the clergy and rights defenders based in Northern Mindanao circulated during a forum held at a local restaurant on Friday.

A man wearing a hat and a pair of dark glasses reportedly handed to the security guard a brown envelope marked “for presscon.”

The guard was told to give it to the organizers of the press conference, which was conducted by the Karapatan and Movement Against Tyranny.

The document reportedly stated that those in the list have been recruiting people to join their cause. 

The National Union of Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) said the inclusion of the Corraleses in the list is a “cowardly” act.

The Cagayan de Oro Press Club debunked the accusation that Corrales is affiliated with the communist group.

In a statement, Corrales said he and his family “are not, have never been and never will be members of the CPP.”

“We denounce this list as it does not only intimidate me in my work as a journalist but has endangered my family,” Corrales said.

Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said the list put the lives of human rights defenders in danger.