As Gene Roz Jamil “Bazoo” de Jesus, an activist, beloved son, brother, and friend, would have celebrated his 28th birthday today, Desaparecidos solemnly marks this occasion amid his continued absence. Bazoo together with Dexter Capuyan were abducted by suspected state agents on April 28, 2023, in Taytay, Rizal, leaving his family, friends, and community devastated and desperate for answers.
Today, on what should have been a joyous occasion, loved ones gathered at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish Church in Malolos, Bulacan, to honor Gene’s memory and pray for his safe return. Relatives, friends, and supporters, including those of Dexter Capuyan, joined together in solidarity, offering prayers and support to the families affected by their heartbreaking disappearances.
The mass served as a poignant reminder of the enduring pain and uncertainty faced by those left behind when a loved one goes missing. It also highlighted the resilience and unity of communities coming together to seek justice and truth for Bazoo de Jesus and Dexter Capuyan.
“Napakasakit para sa isang pamilya na mawalan ng isang mahal sa buhay, hindi mo alam kung nasaan, kung sila ba ay buhay o patay na. At kung patay na, sana mabigyan natin ng karampatang libing. Sa darating na Linggo (April 28), unang anibersaryo na ng kanilang pagkawala, pero pinipilit namin maging normal lahat, naghahanap-buhay para makatulong sa pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan at may maitustos sa ating kabuhayan. Napakahirap na isipin sa gabi na pag-uwi mo sa bahay, wala kang anak na dadatnan, wala yung tumatawag sa iyo, kaya tapat na tapat na pasasalamat sa mga tumutulong sa amin sa patuloy na laban na ito.” said Mercedita Centeno-De Jesus, mother of Bazoo, after the mass was held.
Attendees of the mass also lit candles to symbolize their hope for justice and truth.
Desaparecidos reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights of missing persons and their families, and to tirelessly pursuing answers and holding accountable those responsible for enforced disappearances. Every missing person has a story, a family, and a community waiting for their return, and it is our collective duty to ensure that their voices are heard and their stories are not forgotten.
As we mark Bazoo de Jesus’s 28th birthday, let us rekindle our determination to continue the search for him and all other victims of enforced disappearance, and to provide solace and support to their loved ones during this difficult journey. ###