BEING photographed with a clenched fist can now get you in trouble.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is alarmed that Maginhawa community pantry leader Ana Patricia Non has been photographed with a raised fist, which it said is a symbol of protest and defiance around the world.
Undersecretary Severo Catura of the presidential human rights committee secretariat, one of the NTF-ELCAC’s spokesmen, told lawmakers that Non’s political leaning became a discussion point after the task force received reports that she was photographed with a raised fist.
“Mayroon pong nakita tayong mga pictures sa media, nakataas kamao pa ‘yung si Patricia Non (We’ve seen photos in the media showing Patricia Non raising her fist),” Catura said at the latter part of the hearing of the House committee on human rights last Wednesday, responding to a question from Rep. Sara Elago (PL, Kabataan), a member of the militant Makabayan bloc.
The issue was discussed after Catura disputed Agusan del Norte Rep. Lawrence Fortun’s statement that Non’s work was not really meant to be publicized and that it was brought to light after it went viral in social media and was covered by the national media.
“In truth, we saw photos on social media where Patricia Non even raised her fist,” Catura said, stressing that it was not the government but the “public” that raised the issue.
Catura, who attended the hearing in place of fellow task force spokesperson Lorraine Badoy, said they also got word that some of those who lined up for food were being asked to sign a petition condemning the government.
The NTC-ELCAC was accused of red-tagging after training its sights on Non, whose idea to set up a community pantry on Maginhawa street in UP Village, Quezon City started a movement which is now being replicated across the country as the country continues to battle the economic hardships brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elago said Non, who has already denied links with communists, or any pantry organizer can do what they are doing to help other people amid the COVID-19 pandemic for as long as they are not committing any crime.
“Just because she was photographed with her fist raised, red-tagging her is being justified?” she said.
Catura however said not every citizen is happy with the emergence of community pantries, especially those who are opposing politicizing it to undermine the government.
Non had to close her pantry for a day last month after policemen asked for her cellphone number and her group affiliation. She reopened it the following day after a barrage of public support and criticisms against the government.
ARMY Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, AFP Southern Luzon Command chief, earlier claimed that at least four of the 40 community pantries currently operating in the country are being monitored for links with the communist movement, saying their activities are being used to instigate anti-government sentiments among the people.
