Former leaders and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) are opposing a Commission on Elections (COMELEC) resolution declaring red-tagging as an election offense.

The former leaders and members of the communist group who have returned to the folds of the law opposed the resolution, saying it is a threat to freedom of speech and democratic process.

Under the resolution, labeling or calling an individual or group terrorist or criminal without sufficient evidence is an election offense.

The group maintained that telling the truth about the alleged connection of some organizations affiliated to the CPP-NPA-NDF is not a crime.

“Ginapahuyang kini sa resolusyon sa COMELEC pinaagi sa pagbawal sa diskusyon kabahin sa mga indibidwal o organisasyon nga dugay namong gipamatud-ang dunay koneksyon sa CPP-NPA-NDFP. Sa laktod, ang resolusyon nagpasabot nga ang pagsulti og tinuod, usa krimen nga red tagging,” Norma Capuyan, former leader of a farmers group, said.

Protesters claimed they are aware of people and organizations linked to the NPA who are running in the 2025 elections.

“Usa ka dako namong pangutana kay ang nga dati namong kauban sa partido, gitugutan sa COMELEC nga mo-file sa ilang candidacy. Ang ilang pagka-walay ulaw nga musulod sa gobyerno aron ang resources sa gobyerno, gamiton sa pagpakusog sa armadong kalihukan,” Pedro Arnado, former chairman of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), said.

The group filed a petition asking the poll body to amend the resolution.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to COMELEC for a statement, as of this writing.