Lacson to launch Senate probe on military 'red-tagging'

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said he would launch a Senate investigation on red-tagging activities allegedly perpetrated by the military.

"This morning I filed a Senate resolution... And the moment it is read on the floor and referred to my committee, the defense committee, I will conduct a public hearing in this regard," Lacson, chair of the Committee on National Defense, said in an online interview.

Lacson said he would summon officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense, including Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr.

He said the Gabriela Women's Party and other militant groups will be also be invited to air their side regarding the military's claim that they are linked with communist rebels.

"Para maliwanagan natin saan ba nag-uugat 'yung mga misunderstanding at saka 'yung conflict pagdating sa red-tagging, red-baiting," Lacson, a former national police chief, said.

Parlade became controversial last week after warning actress Liza Soberano and other celebrities advocating for women's rights against keeping ties with Gabriela Women's Party.

Lacson said celebrities are also welcome to attend the hearing but the committee will primarily invite groups that are being red-tagged.

"Kasi ayaw naman nating ma-disrupt [yung investigation]. You can just imagine if we invite celebrities and there’s a good number of them, eh baka ma-disrupt, mawala 'yung focus natin dun sa issue at hand," he said.

The hearing may commence probably a week after the resumption of session on November 9, according to the senator.

Lacson recently said Parlade needs a little prudence and self-discipline so as not to compromise his mission against communist insurgency.

He said Parlade is no doubt dedicated to the counter-insurgency task but he "over-analyzes and over-talks."  —KBK, GMA News