Even the Messiah was wrongly labeled for doing what was right.
Jesus was crucified because He was perceived as a political threat to Roman authority, according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. His massive popularity among the poor and His willingness to challenge those in power disrupted the delicate, collaborative balance of authority. This mirrors the situation we face today.
Our Savior was victimized for helping the destitute and for fighting injustice. In the Philippines, over 126 members of indigenous communities were killed between 2016 and 2021 due to red-tagging while upholding their rights in their own homeland according to a report by Human Rights Watch. These recent statistics reflect how some of today’s political leaders bear similarities to the authorities during Jesus’ time.
With that being said, if Jesus were living in this era, He would likely experience the same persecution, but in more modern forms. He might be attacked by trolls on social media and labeled as a member of the New People's Army (NPA), subjected to arbitrary arrest, or worse—shot by a gunman hired by some corrupt, dirty-player politicians. He could even be dispersed by water cannons for standing with the oppressed.
Authorities today still see individuals who challenge those in power and demand accountability as threats to their administration. Individuals who love radically. Individuals who stand and fight for what they believe is good for all.
If even Jesus could not escape the cruelty of oppression, how then can we save ourselves? One thing is certain: we must stop placing such people in power.
The Roman authorities held the upper hand during Jesus’ time, giving them the ability to shape and manipulate the narrative—much like some leaders today. They shift the storyline, often portraying activists as the problem to gain public trust. This is essentially what red-tagging does.
Red-tagging, as practiced today, intensified as a form of political propaganda during the administrations of former President Rodrigo Duterte and current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. We had better options in the past, yet many still chose leaders whose actions have been criticized as opportunistic and harmful to human rights.
We must do better now. Let's not wait for another Jesus Christ to carry the Cross that symbolizes our mistakes. Red-tagging must come to an end, and this will only happen if leaders like the Romans—perhaps the Dutertes and the Marcoses too—are no longer given authority.
Written by Rhan Quinnet Saloma (rhandom tots), Insight PH
Rhan Quinnet Saloma (rhandom tots), Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
