UP Rural High School condemns red-tagging following Martial Law remembrance activity

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The University of the Philippines Rural High School (UPRHS) in Los Baños, Laguna has condemned the alleged red-tagging of the school and its constituents on social media following its observance of an institutional activity remembering Martial Law.

In a statement late Thursday evening, UPRHS called out social media posts by Facebook accounts identified as "Emjay Chico" and "Lorraine Baddie" or Lorraine Badoy, former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The two accounts raised questions about the school activity, which was reported by UPRHS' official student publication, The Ruralite, regarding the University of the Philippines (UP) Day of Remembrance held on September 21.

UPRHS said the annual activity is an institutionalized UP event commemorating the declaration of Martial Law and reflecting on a significant period in Philippine history.

The school said its program was "student-initiated and student-led," properly communicated to parents, and conducted with the necessary permits and institutional approval.

Participation was also voluntary, UPRHS said.

The program included a resource person who discussed the role of the media in addressing historical distortion about Martial Law.

"We categorically reject the use of red-tagging as a means of intimidating, silencing, or casting suspicion upon our students, faculty, and staff," UPRHS said.

The school also rejected insinuations that students were being exploited, saying that keeping learning safe does not mean shielding young people from difficult questions and realities.

"We will continue to nurture students who respect human rights and uphold the fundamental values of truth, justice, and freedom," it said.

As of posting time, The Ruralite disabled comments to its posts on UP Day of Remembrance activities in UPRHS.

In his post, Chico questioned why the high school students were allegedly involved in a political activity inside school premises.

He stressed that while political participation is a right, children must also be protected from exploitation, manipulation, and undue political influence.

"A school should be a safe space for learning, not a venue for using minors to advance political interests. The responsibility of school officials is not merely to facilitate activities, but to protect the welfare, dignity, and rights of every learner," he said.

Badoy reposted Chico's post and said, "UP Rural School in Bay, Laguna HANDS OFF OUR CHILDREN!"

GMA News Online has sought comment from Chico and Badoy but they have yet to provide statements as of posting time. — VDV, GMA News