NUPL condemns Celiz for asylum bid, calls him paid propagandist

The National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL) has condemned former communist rebel Jeffrey Celiz for seeking political asylum abroad, arguing that he is a military asset and paid propagandist who systematically red-tagged activists and rights defenders.

Celiz faces two civil suits filed by Dr. Carol Araullo and Teddy Casiño, as well as another suit ordering him to pay P2.07 million in damages to journalist Atom Araullo for red-tagging.

In an interview with GMA Integrated News, Celiz claimed he left the Philippines to avoid arrest warrants and alleged political persecution by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

NUPL contends that freedom of expression does not shield Celiz from accountability for his actions, which they say incited and endangered others.

Various Filipino migrant and human rights organizations have urged Canadian authorities to deny Celiz's asylum request due to his history of red-tagging.

Celiz confirmed in an interview with GMA News that he had left the country to seek asylum in the United States, citing alleged harassment from supporters of former President Duterte.