QCPD chief asked to explain 'red-tagging' of Maginhawa pantry organizer

The People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) of Quezon City has formally sought explanation from city police chief Police Brigadier General Antonio Yarra regarding the alleged red-tagging of Maginhawa Community Pantry organizers and volunteers.

In a letter dated April 20, PLEB also asks Yarra to explain the use of the Quezon City Police District's Facebook page for "matters which appear to perpetuate red-tagging."

"It is beyond comprehension why allegedly certain members of our PNP approached them to ask for the organizer's cellphone number and her affiliations," said lawyer Rafael Calinisan, PLEB executive officer, in a statement.

Yarra has already apologized to the organizer of the Maginhawa Community Pantry over a social media post supposedly red-tagging the volunteers.

According to the QCPD, the controversial post originated from the Facebook page of youth organization Peace Philippines whose legitimacy, it said, is being verified.

Fearing for the safety of volunteers, Anna Patricia Non, organizer of the Maginhawa Community Pantry, stopped their operations on Tuesday. They have since resumed operations.

Calinisan, in his statement, said the city government does not tolerate abusive policemen. "We will investigate this matter and get to the bottom of this."

He also vowed that PLEB is open for any of Non's concerns. —KBK, GMA News