Philippines’ MANILA The Commission on Human Rights revealed on Tuesday that it is investigating the claim that three supporters of indigenous rights had been kidnapped by the military.
The CHR said in a statement that a team from its office in MIMAROPA has been sent to look into the alleged kidnapping of Alia Encela (19), Job Abednego David (29), and Jimby del Monte (29).
The three advocates were taken by the Philippine military’s 4th Infantry Battalion and 203rd Infantry Battalion, according to the rights organizations Karapatan and Katribu. They were last seen on September 19 in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro’s Barangay Lisap.
When they were allegedly kidnapped, Encela, David, and del Monte were looking into human rights abuses associated with rising militarization and bombs in indigenous settlements in the province.
“As part of our mandate to protect individuals from grave violations, CHR has the duty to investigate any suspected case of enforced or involuntary disappearance,” the commission said. “This is especially true when such persons are allegedly placed into circumstances that place them outside the protection of the law.”
The Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012, which criminalizes the arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of liberty, including unlawful arrest, detention, or abduction, was emphasized as needing to be vigorously implemented.
Eight occurrences of forced disappearances were reported by Karapatan during the first year of the Marcos Jr. administration.
Army: activists are detained
The 203rd Infantry Battalion was determined to be holding the three advocates.
The Philippine Army asserted that Encela, David, and Del Monte were apprehended during an operation while denying that there had been an enforced disappearance.
They were said to be NPA members by Brigadier General Randolph Cabangbang, commander of the 203rd Infantry Battalion. Additionally, he said that the activists’ backpacks contained grenades and improvised landmines.
“At the same time, CHR reiterates its steadfast opposition to and condemnation of the use of any improvised explosive device or illicit firearms. No philosophy, cause, or advocacy, the commission said, “can justify the possession and use of illegal weapons.”
The statement said, “CHR appeals for transparency and cooperation from all parties concerned as we conduct our impartial investigation into this situation.
In response to the government’s assertion that they freely turned themselves in to authorities, environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano accused the military of kidnapping them last month.
