NGO leader files case vs. army officer

AN OFFICIAL of a prominent Cebu-based non-governmental organization (NGO) has initiated legal action against a high-ranking military officer, Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, for alleged defamation and red-tagging.

Estrella Catarata, a licensed social worker and registered psychologist, filed a civil lawsuit seeking P2 million in damages, according to a statement released by her legal counsel, La Viña Zarate & Associates, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

The case stems from statements made by Escanillas, the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, during an online press briefing on April 30, 2024.

Catarata claims Escanillas tagged her as an alleged leader of a communist terrorist group. Catarata denies these claims.

Defamation

The lawsuit argues that Escanillas’ pronouncements constitute defamation, placing Catarata in a false light and causing her significant emotional distress, damage to her reputation, and concerns for her safety.

In suing Escanillas, Catarata asserts that the statements specifically targeting her and labeling both her and her organization as funders of “communist-terrorists” violated Articles 19, 20, 21, 26 and 33 of the Civil Code.

According to Catarata’s complaint, following these initial statements, the Cebu City Police Office further red-tagged her on Facebook, labeling her the “No. 1 Most Wanted Terrorist Financier in Central Visayas.”

“There is already a dearth of professionals who choose to do development work. This is worsened due to the chilling effect of red-tagging. I am challenged to overcome my fear,” Catarata said.

Catarata has over two decades of experience working with various NGOs and government bodies, focusing on agrarian reform, sustainable agriculture, and community development.

Her contributions reportedly received local and international recognition within the development sector.

Previously, Escanillas filed a case against the Community Empowerment Resource Network (Cernet) and 27 individuals, including Catarata, claiming violations of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

Catarata was included in this earlier case because the Central Visayas Farmer’s Development Center (Fardec), where she was the executive director, was formerly affiliated with Cernet. / CDF