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Oct 12

Abduction of IP rights advocates probe

By J.Lo

"CHR has duty to investigate any suspected case of enforced or involuntary disappearance as part of our mandate to protect individuals from grave violations, especially when such persons are allegedly put into circumstances that place them outside protection of law," Commission on Human Rights announced it is currently looking into alleged abduction of three advocates for indigenous peoples' rights by military.

In statement, CHR said its office in MIMAROPA has deployed team to conduct investigation into reported abduction of Alia Encela (19), Job Abednego David (29) and Jimby del Monte (29).

According to rights groups Karapatan and Katribu, three advocates were taken by 4th Infantry Battalion and 203rd Infantry Battalion of Philippine military. They were last seen on September 19 in Barangay Lisap in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.

Encela, David and del Monte were investigating human rights violations related to increased militarization and bombings in indigenous communities in the province when they were allegedly abducted.

It stressed need to strongly implement Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012, which punishes arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of liberty, such as illegal arrest, detention, or abduction.

Karapatan documented eight cases of enforced disappearances during first year of Marcos Jr. administration.

Three advocates were found to be in custody of 203rd Infantry Battalion.

Philippine Army denied no enforced disappearance, and said Encela, David and Del Monte were arrested during operation.

Brigadier Gen Randolph Cabangbang, commander of 203rd Infantry Battalion, accused them of being members of New People's Army. He also alleged improvised landmines and grenades were found in bags of activists.

"At the same time, CHR reiterates its consistent objection and condemnation on use of illegal weapons or any improvised explosive device…we maintain no ideology, cause or advocacy can justify carrying and usage of illegal weapons, as we conduct our objective probe on this case, CHR calls for transparency and cooperation from all parties involved," CHR said.

Last month, environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano accused military of abduction, countering government's claim that they voluntarily surrendered to authorities.