General Who Called Out Liza Soberano Should Be More Careful: Defense Chief

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said a top Army general whose social media post on actress Liza Soberano drew protest over "red-tagging" could "continue doing what he is doing" but should be careful to back up his claims with evidence.

Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade was only making Soberano "aware of the nature of Gabriela that it is a front of a terrorist organization," Lorenzana said. Gabriela has denied the charge.

The defense chief said he had a talk with Parlade, head of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, after the general's comments drew protests online, including people posting selfies with red lipstick.

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"He would still be doing what he is doing but would be more careful in accusing people if there is no evidence," said Lorenzana.

"I cautioned him from red-tagging anybody without evidence. Associating with Gabriela, per se, does not mean a person advocates and supports its ideology. Therefore it is our duty to forewarn them less they fall into a trap," said Lorenzana.

Parlade said in a radio interview that he was articulating the position of the anti-communist task force. "This is beyond me. Remember, our chairman is the President (Duterte). So am I going to stop? Of course not."