2 Cordillera activists missing following reported release

BAGUIO CITY — Two individuals arrested during a joint police and military operation in Quezon City have been reported missing, according to the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA).

In a statement, CHRA said John Silverio Saligbon, also known to peers as John-John or Bonbon, and Jess Gamay have not been seen or heard from for about 24 hours after authorities allegedly told their families they had already been released from custody.

The two were among 11 individuals arrested on March 11 during a joint operation involving the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Quezon City.

In a separate press release, the Philippine Army said the arrests were carried out through a joint operation of the 5th Infantry Division (5ID) and the 7th Infantry Division (7ID).

The military said the 11 individuals were believed to be members of the so-called “Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee,” which authorities allege is linked to the armed communist movement.

“The operation was carried out through the coordinated efforts of security forces and partner law enforcement agencies, highlighting the continuing commitment of the government to maintain peace and security in the region,” the Army said.

Maj. Gen. Gulliver L. Señires, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, said the operation showed the collaboration among government agencies and communities.

However, CHRA said Saligbon and Gamay have no pending charges and questioned their whereabouts after authorities reportedly denied they remained in police custody.

According to the group, authorities at Camp Karingal in Quezon City told the families and the legal team of the pair that they had already been released on the same day of their arrest.

But their families said the two have neither returned home nor contacted them since then.

CHRA urged authorities to surface Saligbon and Gamay and ensure that they are safely returned to their families.

“Their safety must be ensured without delay,” the group said, warning that any attempt to conceal their whereabouts could endanger their lives and violate their fundamental rights.

READ: Search for 2 missing Cordillera activists continues in Tarlac

The rights group also called on the public and the friends and colleagues of the two to help locate them and press authorities to ensure their safe return./coa