The Filipino Freelance Journalists’ Guild (FFJ) expresses its support for its member, photojournalist Deo Montesclaros, who has been accused of terrorism financing.
In a subpoena released by the Cagayan Provincial Prosecutor, Montesclaros has been named, along with several other individuals, to have been in violation of Section 8 of Republic Act 10168, also known as The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
Due to his critical work as a journalist—covering issues such as the environment, land reform, and human rights—he has become a target of multiple incidents of red tagging, the first which began in October 2020. He has also been surveilled by unknown elements in the past.
The FFJ strongly condemns these allegations against Deo Montesclaros.
The guild also condemns this blatant attempt to restrict press freedom, and anyone who is critical of the Philippine government.
We call on the Marcos administration to uphold the constitutional right of the press to report, and call for an end to red tagging.