IBP: Take down tarp red-tagging judge

MANILA, Philippines — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) is asking local authorities to take down the tarpaulin that red-tagged a Mandaluyong judge who had ordered the release from detention of two activists.

IBP president Domingo Cayosa said the streamer implies that Judge Monique Quisumbing Ignacio has links with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The streamer was hung from a footbridge along EDSA, Shaw Boulevard.

The IBP is not convinced that the CPP had something to do with the streamer.

“We cannot establish the facts or conclude…But it is preposterous to think they would do that. Whoever did that, did it with malice or with a sick mind. You don’t gain anything good by doing that,” Cayosa said in an interview with “The Chiefs” on One News/TV5 on Wednesday.

Ignacio had ordered the release of journalist Lady Ann Salem and trade unionist Rodrigo Esparago, who were arrested last year on charges of possession of illegal firearms and explosives.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque called on the public not to draw conclusions about the incident, saying it is possible that the enemies of the government were behind the display of the tarpaulin.

“Anyone can come up with such tarpaulin. So let us not conclude that Judge Ignacio was red-tagged,” Roque said.