Liza Soberano (left) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. (right)
MANILA, Philippines — ABS-CBN on Friday came to the defense of its talents, Liza Soberano and Angel Locsin after they have been the subject of “red-tagging” as it expressed hope that the public will be able to “freely participate” in the discussion of issues without being tagged as a member of a communist group.
“It is our hope that people may be allowed to freely participate in meaningful and rational discussion of issues without having to be red-tagged,” ABS-CBN said in a statement of support for Soberano.
ABS-CBN added that the company, as well as its talent and management subsidiary arm Star Magic, stand by Soberano “as she speaks out against violations of women’s rights.”
“This is her own voice and not of any person or group,” ABS-CBN said.
This comes after Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. earlier urged Soberano and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray to withdraw their support for Gabriela, and told them not to follow the path of Angel Locsin’s sister Ella Colmenares, whom he said has joined the New People’s Army (NPA).
In a separate statement, ABS-CBN also expressed concern for their other talent Locsin, who is known to be vocal about national and social issues.
Locsin earlier “set the record straight”, saying she is not affiliated with the NPA.
“ABS-CBN is very concerned about the wrongful identification of Angel Locsin as a member of the NPA.”
“Doing humanitarian activities and speaking one’s mind do not make one a member of the communist group,” the network added.
ABS-CBN also said that Locsin, like any Filipino, “has the right to express herself and stand for her principles without judgment.”