The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started its own investigation on the alleged abduction of three activists involved in espousing the rights of indigenous peoples (IPs) in Oriental Mindoro.
Based on report of Karapatan, a group of human rights advocates, CHR said that Alia Encela, 19; Job Abednego David, 29; Jimby del Monte, 29; were abducted last Sept. 19 by the operatives of the 4th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 203rd IB of the Philippine Army (PA) in Sitio Malaglag, Barangay Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.
It said that Karapatan's report also stated that the three activists were investigatigating alleged human rights violations caused by the bombing for a "test fire" of 203rd IB in Mangyan communities as well as the destructive effects of mining and quarrying of Armour Rocks in the areas occupied by the IPs.
The PA, however, refuted Karapatan's allegations as it said that the three activists were arrested during a legitimate operation. It said "there was no forced disappearance concerning the three because all protocols were followed throughout the operation."
BGen Randolph Cabangbang, commander of the 203rd IP's 2nd infantry division, said that improvised landmines and grenades were found in the bags of the three activists. He also claimed that former communist rebels, who have surrendered to the government, have identified the three as members of the New People's Army (NPA).
In pursuance of its mandate, the CHR said it will investigate the suspected case of involuntary disappearance of the IP activists "especially when such persons are allegedly put into circumstances that place them outside the protection of law."
"As we conduct our objective probe on this case, we call for transparency and cooperation from all parties involved. We also continue to remind that only through inclusive dialogue and genuine understanding of those directly affected by issues can we build durable solutions that can address the root causes of conflict in IP communities," the CHR said.
At the same time, the CHR stressed the need to implement Republic Act No. 10353, the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012, which punishes arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of liberty, such as illegal arrest, detention, or abduction.
The CHR also said: "The right to life, liberty and security of all, regardless of political background, affiliations, and ideological beliefs, are fundamental rights that must be guaranteed by the State. We maintain that no ideology, cause, or advocacy can justify the carrying and usage of illegal weapons that can breach fundamental rights."