UP Diliman denounces NTF-Elcac red-tagging of students and faculty

A University of the Philippines Diliman committee has formally condemned what it characterizes as persistent red-tagging and harassment directed at the institution's students, faculty, and staff by agents and supporters of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).

The UP Diliman Committee on the Protection of Academic Freedom and Human Rights issued the statement on Monday, expressing concern over what it described as a pattern of intimidation targeting members of the academic community. The committee emphasized that such actions undermine the university's mission and create a chilling effect on legitimate academic discourse and freedom of expression.

The development reflects ongoing tensions between academic institutions and government security agencies over allegations of red-tagging—the practice of labeling individuals as communist sympathizers or activists without substantive evidence. The practice has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and civil society groups who argue it endangers lives and stifles legitimate dissent.

UP Diliman is among the Philippines' most prominent educational institutions and has historically served as a center for intellectual debate and political activism. The committee's statement underscores growing concerns within the academic sector about restrictions on freedom of inquiry and campus safety.