As we observe the International Week of the Disappeared from the 26th to the 31st of May, we stand in solidarity with the countless victims of enforced disappearance in the Philippines and worldwide. This despicable crime perpetrated by state agents or state-sanctioned entities that involves the abduction and clandestine detention of individuals, is a vicious instrument to suppress dissent. It does not only leave the families of victims in a state of perpetual uncertainty and anguish. The absence of legal accountability and the culture of impunity surrounding these crimes exacerbate the trauma experienced by the victims’ loved ones.
In the Philippines, enforced disappearances persist under the regime of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Despite the enactment of the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012, human rights organizations continue to document numerous cases of enforced disappearances, where the victims are often activists, human rights defenders and other dissenters. These incidents are frequently preceded by campaigns of vilification and intimidation, commonly known as red-tagging, aimed at discrediting and silencing dissent. The lack of effective investigations and prosecutions perpetuates a climate of impunity, denying victims and their families the justice they rightfully deserve.
Under the current regime, there are currently 18 victims of enforced disappearance documented by Karapatan. They are:
women organizers Elgene Mungcal and Ma. Elena Pampoza (last seen in Moncada, Tarlac on July 3, 2022);
habal-habal drivers Renel delos Santos and Denald Laloy Mialen and their passenger Lyn Grace Martullinas, an aide of slain National Democratic Front of the Philippines consultant Rogelio Posadas (last seen in Barangay Bagroy, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on April 19, 2023);
Cordilleran activists Dexter Capuyan and Gene Roz Jamil “Bazoo” de Jesus (last seen in Barangay Dolores, Taytay, Rizal on April 28, 2023);
peasant organizer Deah Lopez (last seen in Barangay San Jose, Sipalay, Negros Occidental on September 15, 2023);
peasants Norman Ortiz and Lee Sudario (last seen in Barangay Bantug, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija on September 29, 2023);
fisherfolk organizer Mariano Jolongbayan (last seen in Lian, Batangas on November 29, 2023);
union organizer William Lariosa (last seen in Barangay Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon on April 10, 2024);
long-time activist James Jazmines (last seen in Barangay San Roque, Tabaco, Albay on August 23, 2025);
environmental activist Felix Salaveria Jr. (last seen in Barangay Cobo, Tabaco, Albay on August 28, 2024);
Bicolano youth Gerald Gestole (last seen in Barangay Chrysanthemum, San Pedro, Laguna on November 17, 2024);
charcoal maker Dado Sanchez (last seen in Barangay Mahalang, Himamaylan, Negros Occidental on January 14, 2025); and
peasants Alfred Hilado and Joseph Gonzales (last seen in the same barangay on January 15, 2025).
We cry out: Surface them all!
The international community recognizes enforced disappearance as a serious human rights violation and a crime under international law. The United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and organizations such as the International Coalition Against Enforced Disappearances serve as platforms for families seeking truth and justice for their loved ones. However, the effectiveness of such bodies is contingent upon the commitment of governments to uphold international human rights standards. The Marcos Jr. regime has been found seriously wanting in this regard, with its continued refusal to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and more important, its abject failure to implement and enforce the existing law against enforced disappearances.
On the occasion of the International Week of the Disappeared, Karapatan and Desaparecidos renew its demands on the Marcos Jr. regime to surface all victims of enforced disappearance and ensure their safe return to their families and hold perpetrators accountable for these heinous crimes.
We stand in solidarity with the international community in its continuing support for victims of enforced disappearance and their families, in holding governments accountable for their human rights obligations, and in working collectively towards a world where enforced disappearances are eradicated, and the rights and dignity of all individuals upheld.