Sens. Recto, Gatchalian hit Parlade for red-tagging community pantries

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian criticized Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. for red-tagging community pantry organizers, stating there is no valor in going after civilians feeding their neighbors.

Parlade, spokesperson for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), previously linked community pantry volunteers to communist rebels, an initiative that has inspired over 300 pantries nationwide.

Senator Gatchalian expressed disappointment in Parlade's name-calling and red-baiting, asserting that the community pantries are an inspiration and not connected to the NPA or any terrorists.

Gatchalian also pointed out that Parlade, by holding a civilian post while in active military service, may be violating the Constitution and should return to his original post.

Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, also an NTF-ELCAC spokesperson, was advised by Gatchalian to be careful with her statements.