Popular Bookstore & Solidaridad Targeted by Red-Tagging in Philippines
Popular Bookstore and Solidaridad Bookshop in the National Capital Region have been targeted by 'red-tagging', a practice of labeling individuals or groups as communist or subversive. This incident follows a long history of 'red-tagging' in the Philippines, with the most recent wave occurring under the Duterte and Marcos Jr. administrations. The targeted bookstores, Popular Bookstore established in 1967 and Solidaridad Bookshop founded by renowned writer F. Sionil José, are known for their extensive collections, including works on social justice, history, and politics. Both have been vocal advocates for free speech and academic freedom. The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been accused of orchestrating the 'red-tagging'. The Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND) has pointed fingers at NTF-ELCAC as the possible culprit. However, there are no publicly known or reliable proofs linking a specific organization to the 'red-tagging' activities against the bookstores. The practice of 'red-tagging' has been used as a tool of state intimidation, with the aim of delegitimizing and silencing critical voices. The roots of 'red-tagging' can be traced back to the early 20th century during the period of American colonial rule. Popular Bookstore has a history of being targeted for selling 'Marxist books' during anti-communist witch hunts in the 1950s. Academics, booksellers, publishers, and civil society organizations have repeatedly denounced 'red-tagging' as an attack on free speech and academic freedom. The 'red-tagging' of Popular Bookstore and Solidaridad Bookshop is a worrying development in the ongoing suppression of free speech and academic freedom in the Philippines. While no specific organization has been officially linked to the incident, the pattern and context suggest state involvement. The targeted bookstores serve as vital hubs for intellectual discourse and critical thinking, making them prime targets for those seeking to stifle dissent. The international community and local civil society organizations should continue to monitor the situation and advocate for an end to 'red-tagging' and the protection of freedom of expression.
