NTF-ELCAC commends Badoy for ‘active position’ as private citizen

The government’s anti-insurgency task force on Thursday lauded its former spokesperson Lorraine Badoy, saying she is taking an "active position" for the organization after she lambasted a judge in a social media post.

“We commend her active position as a champion for NTF-ELCAC in her own private capacity,” the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said in a statement.

“[NTF-ELCAC] wouldn't have been able to accomplish its many remarkable gains if not for the Filipino people, both from the government and private sector, who have courageously and tirelessly championed for the advocacy of this coalition,” it added.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Badoy blasted Manila court Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar for dismissing the proscription case seeking to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorist groups.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court said that inciting violence and harm against judges and their families would be considered contempt against the High Tribunal and would be “dealt with accordingly.”

“The Court sternly warns those who continue to incite violence through social media and other means which endanger the lives of judges and their families, and this shall likewise be considered a contempt of this court, and will be dealt with accordingly” the SC said in a statement.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Wednesday said that the Supreme Court will protect its judges and judiciary workers following Badoy's remarks.

Nueva Vizcaya Representative Luisa Lloren Cuaresma also said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will probe Badoy over the post.

Cuaresma, who is the DILG budget sponsor, was responding to the questions of Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel during the plenary deliberations on the proposed budget. The PNP is under the DILG.

Badoy has denied making threats against Magdoza-Malagar.

“I did not threaten anybody. Lalo na 'yung judge. Walang threats 'yan [Especially the judge. There were no threats],” Badoy said in a radio interview. — BM, GMA News