Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 14, 2024 4:01 am GMT
The recent abduction of two activists in the Philippines has reignited debates over human rights and state accountability under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. Families of the missing individuals, who are known for their activism, are pressuring the government to take immediate and serious action. As they call for justice, the circumstances surrounding these cases highlight broader concerns about enforced disappearances in the country.
The Families’ Pleas
Families of the two missing activists, James Jazmines and Felix Salaveria Jr., held a press conference on September 23, where they expressed their anguish and frustration. “Our father is loved and respected in the community of Barangay Cobo, Tabaco,” said Felicia Ferrer, Salaveria’s daughter. She emphasized the peaceful nature of her father’s activism, stating, “My family and I cannot imagine why anyone would want to abduct him since he is a peaceful man and has never harmed anyone.”
Her sister, Gab Ferrer, echoed these sentiments, questioning why there seemed to be a lack of urgency from local law enforcement. Gab urged high-ranking officials, including President Marcos and Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Abalos, to take command responsibility for the search efforts.
Allegations of State Involvement
Concerns have emerged regarding the possible involvement of security forces in the abductions. Antonio La Viña, an attorney representing the Salaveria family, suggested that the operation was “professional,” implying that “only a state security agency could do something as sophisticated as this.”
The two activists vanished within five days of each other in August in Tabaco City, Albay, marking them as the 14th and 15th victims of enforced disappearances under Marcos Jr.’s watch. The term “desaparecidos,” referring to those who have gone missing under suspicious circumstances, has become all too familiar in the context of human rights abuses in the Philippines.
Evidence Collected
At the press conference, the families presented CCTV footage showing Salaveria’s abduction in broad daylight. The video reveals a van stopping near Salaveria, from which several individuals emerged and forcibly took him away. While there was no footage available for Jazmines’ abduction, activists have shared images of suspicious vehicles seen near the area during the timeframe.
Witness testimonies indicate that uniformed police officers visited Salaveria’s home on the day of his abduction, allegedly taking personal items, including his cell phones and laptop. These actions have raised further questions about the involvement of state actors in the disappearance of both men.
A Culture of Impunity
As the search continues, human rights advocates have criticized the government’s inaction. Tinay Palabay, Secretary General of Karapatan, stated, “An operation like this is highly organized and done in broad daylight, indicating the brazen character of the crime.” She pointed out that both abductions share similarities with past cases attributed to state forces.
Palabay further noted that Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10353, the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act, obligates security agencies to provide information about missing persons. However, she lamented that this law has largely failed, citing the continuing incidents of disappearances under the current regime.
Statistics That Speak Volumes
The statistics surrounding enforced disappearances in the Philippines are staggering:
- Since the beginning of Marcos Jr.’s administration, there have been 38 recorded cases of enforced disappearances.
- Jazmines and Salaveria’s cases mark the 14th and 15th incidents of this nature.
- Historically, there have been a total of 2,586 documented victims of enforced disappearances since the 1970s, with over half—1,915—remaining missing.
- The Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act was enacted in 2012, but 11 years later, it has yet to show meaningful results.
Such data highlight a troubling pattern that advocates fear is growing under the current administration. The absence of significant legal repercussions for those involved in enforced disappearances raises concerns about a culture of impunity that permeates the security forces.
Calls for Accountability
During the press conference, Cora Jazmines, wife of one of the missing activists, made it clear that families seek more than just statements; they demand accountability. “We are not begging. We are demanding that their basic human rights be respected and that they be surfaced immediately,” she asserted.
As public pressure mounts, the absence of any government official addressing these abductions remains concerning. The continuous silence can further embolden those who participate in human rights violations.
Next Steps for Families and Advocates
Moving forward, families and rights groups are gathering support to ensure that the disappearances of Jazmines and Salaveria are not overlooked:
- They are organizing protests to raise awareness about their loved ones and encourage a large turnout from the community.
- Plans to engage with international human rights organizations may amplify their plea for justice.
- Legal actions are being considered to press charges against state actors if evidence of involvement surfaces.
These efforts symbolize the enduring hope of the families and advocates that their loved ones will be found and that the cycle of violence and disappearance may be broken.
Conclusion
The kidnapping of James Jazmines and Felix Salaveria Jr. highlights a serious problem with human rights in the Philippines under President Marcos Jr. Even though there are laws meant to protect people from being taken away, these laws aren’t being followed or enforced. The families of the missing activists are still searching for justice and answers. Meanwhile, everyone in the country is paying attention, hoping for a response that might decide what happens to these two men and the future of human rights in the Philippines.
