The Lingering Scourge: Enforced Disappearances Continue to Haunt the Philippines

Enforced Disappearances Still a Scourge in Philippines

The Persistence of Impunity

The recent acquittal of a former Army general for the 2006 abduction and torture of two brothers in the Philippines has once again underscored the persistence of impunity for enforced disappearances in the country. Raymond Manalo, who had alleged that he and his brother were kidnapped and tortured by then Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan and his men, faced reporters outside the court in Bulacan province and wept openly after the verdict was announced. This verdict comes after Manalo’s earlier testimony had helped convict Palparan in 2018 for the enforced disappearance, torture, and rape of students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan, who remain missing.

This recent verdict is not an isolated incident. In fact, it comes on the heels of a number of abductions of activists throughout the country. On September 29, activists Lee Sudario and Norman Ortiz were taken by unidentified men in Nueva Ecija province. On September 23, alleged soldiers seized activists Job Abednego David, Peter del Monte, and Alia Encela in Oriental Mindoro province, with the military claiming they were communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels but failing to provide any information on their whereabouts. All five activists remain missing.

Environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamayo have also reported that they were abducted by soldiers in Bataan province on September 2 and held for days. The military, however, accused them of being NPA members who had decided to surrender and presented them in a press conference, where the activists asserted that soldiers had abducted them. Similar cases of enforced disappearances, such as the abduction of Indigenous rights activists Dexter Capuyan and Gene Roz Jamil de Jesus in Rizal province in April, as well as the public abduction of activists Armand Dayoha and Dyan Gumanao in Cebu City in January, highlight the alarming prevalence of such human rights violations.

The Need for Accountability and Justice

In 2012, Congress in the Philippines enacted a law against enforced disappearance, making it the first country in Asia to do so. However, despite this legislation, the law has proven to be ineffective in addressing the problem. Impunity remains a significant challenge, as high-ranking officials seem to escape accountability for their involvement in enforced disappearances.

It is crucial for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Philippine government to take concrete actions to address this issue. This should include pressing for the Senate’s ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which would demonstrate a commitment to holding those responsible accountable. In addition, there should be prompt and impartial investigations into all cases of enforced disappearances, with no regard to the position or rank of the perpetrators.

Philosophical Discussion on Human Rights

The persistence of enforced disappearances in the Philippines raises profound philosophical questions about the nature of human rights and the role of the state in upholding them. Enforced disappearances constitute a gross violation of human rights, as they deny individuals their most fundamental rights, including the right to life, liberty, and security of person. The state, as the protector of these rights, has a duty to ensure justice, accountability, and the protection of its citizens.

When the state fails to address enforced disappearances, it sends a chilling message that human rights can be violated with impunity. In a democratic society, such violations erode the very foundation of the social contract between the state and its citizens. If individuals cannot trust their government to protect their rights and hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable, then the social fabric begins to fray, leading to a breakdown in trust and a loss of faith in the democratic system.

The Role of Civil Society and International Community

Addressing enforced disappearances requires a collaborative effort between the government, civil society, and the international community. Civil society organizations play a crucial role in advocating for justice, providing support to victims and their families, and documenting cases of enforced disappearances. They serve as the voice of the marginalized and oppressed, pushing for greater accountability and transparency from the government.

The international community also has a responsibility to hold governments accountable for human rights violations. By ratifying international conventions and treaties, countries commit themselves to upholding human rights standards and principles. Pressure from the international community can help create momentum for change and encourage governments to take action.

In conclusion, the persisting problem of enforced disappearances in the Philippines highlights the urgent need for justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights. The state must prioritize the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for these heinous crimes, regardless of their position or rank. To address this issue effectively, a holistic approach that involves the government, civil society, and the international community is paramount. By working together, we can strive for a society that respects and upholds the inherent dignity and rights of every individual.

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