The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged the public to come forward and share whatever information they have regarding the disappearance of 34-year-old Rodrigo Catibog, who has been missing for more than two weeks.
Catibog's live-in girlfriend told the police that they were on board a motorcycle when armed men blocked their path and abducted him in Lian, Batangas. She did not give added personal information on Catibog.
The Batangas Police Provincial Office (PPO) said that some persons of interest linked to his abduction have now been identified, but investigations are still ongoing as to his whereabouts, the CHR said.
"For the continued protection of the community, we ask the public to report suspicious incidents to the police and to provide any relevant information to the disappearance of Catibog who remains missing," CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.
De Guia said the CHR has expressed concern as more people have been abducted over the past few weeks.
She said that last Aug. 20, 63-year-old Stephen "Steve" Tauli, a member of the regional council of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) and an active advocate of indigenous people's (IP) rights, was abducted by five men.
Tauli was reportedly abducted near the CPA Kalinga office at Ag-a Road, Appas, Tabuk City. He was found last Aug. 21.
De Guia stressed that the government has the responsibility to protect its citizens -- regardless of their socio-political affiliations and ideological beliefs.
"The right to life is a natural right guaranteed to all individuals without distinction and goes beyond the rights to mere existence. From this basic entitlement, every individual has the corresponding rights to liberty and security from cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment," she said.