Farmer group coordinator taken away by armed men in Cebu — progressive groups

MANILA, Philippines — A coordinator of the Farmers Development Center (FARDEC) in Central Visayas was reportedly taken away by still unidentified armed men from her home in Cebu, progressive groups said on Sunday.

“While the ‘anti-terrorism bill’ awaits President Duterte’s signature, Elena Tijamo, Program Coordinator of Farmers Development Center (FARDEC) in Central Visayas, was reportedly taken away by armed, unidentified individuals from her home last night in Brgy. Kampingganon, Bantayan,” read a statement from the National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organization in the Philippines or Pamalakaya.

Pamalakaya said four armed men with two other women entered Tijamo’s home around 8 p.m.

Human rights group Karapatan also confirmed the report, saying the armed men did not introduce themselves and were wearing masks.

Karapatan also wrote in a tweet that “Tijamo’s sister tried to prevent them from taking Tijamo, but as of writing, the place where they took her is still unknown.”

URGENT ALERT: Around 8 p.m. yesterday, June 13, 2020, Farmers Development Center program coordinator Elena Tijamo was taken from her home at Brgy. Kampigganon, Bantayan, Cebu by four unidentified armed men accompanied by two women. pic.twitter.com/tebgzoVP1D

— Karapatan (@karapatan) June 14, 2020