Zarate v. Aquino III

Zarate v. Aquino is a court case revolving around Red tagging, an act discrediting the validity of a political opponent by accusing the opponent as Communist, leading to murders and attacks.

Zarate v. Aquino
Court	Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court, Manila
Full case name	Carlos Isagani T. Zarate v. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III
Decided	November 15, 2015 (2015-11-15)

Background

In March 2014, the government strengthened military power in Davao City, causing 1,300 Manobos to evacuate Davao City, In January 2015, however, some of the Manobos went back to Davao City, (specifically UCCP Haran), some of the Manobos stated that "they were forced to join rallies and prayers against their own will", stating that "their fears intensified when they saw a lifeless body hanging in a tree, belonging to the Manobos". On May 12, 2015, 7 Manobos filed a complaint against the defendants.

Decision

The Manobos claimed that the defendants had "ties with the New People's Army", stating that their appearance in the lists are "threats to their life" warranting the safety of the Writ of amparo. After the court researched the defendants and the petitioners, the court dismissed the petition, stating that "The writ of amparo is a "remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity." The petitioners' statements were that "143 members of the political party Bayanmuna were victims of killings during the Arroyo administration, and that 12 members and leaders of Bayanmuna have been killed under the Aquino administration.