AFP intensifies search for 2 missing labor activists

Missing persons posters were also disseminated in various locations, especially in housing units and personnel quarters at AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last Nov. 17. (File Photo By Judgefloro – Own work, CC0)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has intensified its search for missing labor activists Alipio Juat and Elizabeth Magbanua in compliance with the writ of amparo issued by the higher courts.

In a message Monday, Col. Jorry Baclor, AFP public affairs office chief, said AFP deputy provost marshal general Col. Danilo Dupiag, met with Manila Police District head Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon and intelligence director Col. Samuel Paborito on Nov. 15 to request information on the activities of the pair before their reported disappearance on May 3.

“He (Dupiag) also sought a meeting with individuals who may have information on their disappearance, including a certain Rogelio Dioquino of Tondo, Manila who reported that he met the two in Punturin, Valenzuela on May 3,” he added.

Dupiag, assisted by Maj. Haina Asalan and Capt. Jesus Mason Jr. of Quezon City Police District (QCPD), also conducted a dialogue on Nov. 9 with the detainees but the prisoners reported that they did not see the missing persons.

“The activity was approved by Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, District Director, QCPD through Col. Fernando Ortega, Deputy District Director for Administration, QCPD,” Baclor said.

Missing persons posters were also disseminated in various locations, especially in housing units and personnel quarters at AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last Nov. 17.

On Oct. 5, the AFP created a fact-finding committee that will “conduct speedy, comprehensive, and exhaustive investigation” on the continued disappearance of Magbanua and Juat, in compliance with the petition for writ of amparo filed by their relatives before the Supreme Court and granted by the Court of Appeals in a decision on Sept. 9.

The AFP Provost Marshal General leads the committee as its chairperson with the deputy Army provost marshal; command provost marshal of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region; the legal officer of the office of the AFP deputy chief-of-staff for intelligence; and a representative from the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict as members.