The Facebook page of blogger Alon Calinao Dy claims that human rights lawyer Jose Manuel ?Chel? Diokno is a defender of the New People?s Army (NPA). The claim, posted on June 18, 2021, has 539 reactions, 405 comments and 17 shares at the time of writing. The claim is missing context as Diokno has long been the chairperson for the Free Legal Assistance Group. FLAG has represented individuals previously or allegedly part of far-left groups throughout Diokno?s tenure.

Barely 5 minutes into his late night public address on Friday, April 3, Duterte called Diokno a "lousy lawyer" and falsely accused him of "giving encouragement for people to violate the law."

The claim, made through a meme posted May 10 by Facebook page Blessed Be Philippines, said: Diokno -- ang kumander ng mga NPA na utak sa pagtatag ng mga rebelde sa Luzon (Diokno -- the NPA commander and mastermind behind the establishment of rebels in Luzon). Bernabé Buscayno, known as Kumander Dante, founded the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines on March 29, 1969. No proof of association has been established between him and the Dioknos in any study, article, or investigation.Chel Diokno is affiliated with the Free Legal Assistance Group or FLAG, a human rights organization made up of lawyers providing pro bono services. FLAG clients include the ?Tagaytay 5? --Axel Pinpin, Aristides Sarmiento, Rico Ybañez, Michael Masayes and Riel Custodio--originally detained by the Philippine National Police on suspicion of being NPA members but later acquitted of rebellion charge.