Desaparecidos (Pamilya ng Desaparecidos para sa Katarungan), a human rights organization dedicated to seeking justice for victims of enforced disappearances, strongly condemns the ongoing impunity surrounding the case of the victims who disappeared in June 2006 in the Philippines.
We demand that the Philippine government take immediate action to bring those responsible to justice and provide closure to the families of the victims.
The victims of enforced disappearance in June 2006, including Sherlyn Cadapan, Karen Empeño, Manuel Merino, Bernard Javier, Celina Palma, Glorio Soco, Ariel Beloy, Gabriel Calubad, NDFP peace consultants Rogelio Calubad, Leopoldo Ancheta and Prudencio Calubid have been missing for over 17 years. Their families have endured unimaginable pain and uncertainty, not knowing the fate or whereabouts of their loved ones.
Enforced disappearances are grave violations of human rights and international law. They not only inflict suffering on the victims but also create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within society. The lack of progress in the investigation and the absence of accountability for these disappearances perpetuate a culture of impunity, undermining the rule of law and eroding public trust.
Desaparecidos calls upon the Philippine government to fulfill its obligations under international human rights law by conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the enforced disappearance of these individuals. The authorities must take all necessary measures to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, regardless of their positions of power or influence.
Additionally, we urge the Philippine government to strengthen its commitment to preventing enforced disappearances in the country. This includes ratifying and implementing international human rights instruments such as the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The government must also ensure the protection of human rights defenders, activists, and individuals advocating for justice and accountability.
Desaparecidos stands in solidarity with the families of the victims and reaffirms its commitment to pursuing truth, justice, and accountability for all victims of enforced disappearance. We will continue to raise awareness, engage with the international community, and exert pressure on the Philippine government until justice is served.
We call on all human rights organizations, civil society groups, and concerned individuals to join us in our efforts to seek justice for the victims of enforced disappearance in the Philippines. Together, we can create a world where human rights are respected, protected, and upheld for all.