Gabriela renews call for probe into activists’ disappearance

The Gabriela Partylist on Tuesday again called for an investigation into the disappearance of four activists, in commemoration of the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

In a statement, the progressive group reiterated its call to surface missing activists Elizabeth "Loi" Magbanua,  Alipio "Ador" Juat, Elgene Mungcal, and Ma. Elena “Cha” Cortez Pampoza.

Gabriela also filed House Resolution 86 to investigate the alleged extrajudicial arrest and detention of the activists.

"Loi and Ador are staunch labor rights advocates who organized and helped workers who have experienced the worst forms of exploitation by abusive big companies,” Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas said.

"We hope that the House Committee on Human Rights can immediately hear our resolution to investigate this case and hopefully help the victims' families attain justice," she added.

The Supreme Court earlier issued a writ of amparo in favor of the missing activists, and ordered the respondents—Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Baccaro, in his capacity as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); retired general Jose Faustino Jr., in his capacity as officer-in-charge of the Department of National Defense; retired general Ricardo de Leon, in his capacity as the director general of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency; Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr., in his capacity as the commanding general of the Philippine Army; Major General Roy Galido, in his capacity as the acting chief of staff of the Philippine Army; Major General Romulo Manuel, in his capacity as the deputy chief of staff for intelligence of the AFP; and Brigadier General Nolasco Mempin, in his capacity as the deputy chief of staff for civil military operations—to make verified return of the writ of amparo.

Meanwhile, lawyer for the victims’ families Minnie Lopez said they have presented more witnesses, including petitioners Magbanua's partner Ruth Manglalan and Juat's daughter Maureen.

“Respondents filed their Return with mere general denials such as Magbanua and Juat are not in their custody,” Lopez told GMA News Online.

“We presented two witnesses, petitioners Ruth Manglalan (the life partner of Magbanua) and Maureen (daughter of Juat). We will file our respective Memoranda on Friday and after which, case is deemed submitted for resolution,” the lawyer added.

Gabriela and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) earlier asked the Supreme Court to issue an order of inspection to allow the petitioners, their lawyers, the Commission on Human Rights, and health or medical workers to inspect the premises of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City and Fort Magsaysay to search for the missing labor organizers. — BM, GMA News