MANILA – The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Tanggol Magsasaka on Thursday denounced the red-tagging of Panay-based peasant leader Lucia Capaducio and her group Pamanggas by the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).

The groups were reacting to a September 15 radio interview over GMA Super Radyo Iloilo where Col. Erwin Lamzon of the 3ID described Pamanggas as a “sectoral front organization” and claimed that Capaducio, 66, was “at large,” despite admitting no charges have been filed against her.

Pamanggas, or Paghugpong sang mga Mangunguma sa Panay kag Guimaras, is KMP’s regional chapter and has been active in land rights campaigns and opposition to projects such as the Jalaur Megadam.

“These reckless and malicious statements by Col. Lamzon constitute clear red-tagging. They put the life and security of Nay Lucia, Pamanggas members, and the wider peasant movement in grave danger,” said KMP Secretary General and Tanggol Magsasaka spokesperson Ronnie Manalo.

He added that the accusations were baseless and part of a pattern of harassment against farmers and leaders advocating for land, livelihood, and justice.

The groups also linked the incident to broader political issues, noting that while corruption cases remain unresolved, peasant leaders face vilification.

KMP urged the military official to retract his remarks and called for an end to what it described as harassment against Capaducio and Pamanggas.

Capaducio has been a long-time leader representing rural communities in dialogues with government agencies and forums. She recently joined the launch of the MANINDIGAN human rights network in Manila.