FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The search team consists of human rights and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) groups, paralegal formations, family, and colleagues of IPs’ rights advocate Gene Roz Jamil “Bazoo” De Jesus and IP human rights defender and Bontoc-Ibaloi-Kankanaey Dexter Capuyan revealed that the two were abducted by men who identified themselves as agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
In a press conference on May 10, 2023, 12 days after the abduction of Bazoo and Dexter, KATRIBU Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas National Convener Beverly Longid said the two were forced to ride two separate vehicles last April 28 in Taytay, Rizal.
Longid added that based on the data gathered, unfamiliar individuals, suspected to be state elements, were observed posted in the vicinity of the incident days before the two were abducted.
Meanwhile, Mercedita De Jesus, mother of Bazoo, recounted how IPs’ rights advocate and staff of the Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights remained passionate about human rights and sought to serve marginalized groups and communities.
“Kami ay umaapela sa may kagagawan ng bagay na ito. Si Bazoo ay tunay na lingkod ng bayan. Siya ay kaisa sa pakikipaglaban para sa buhay, lupa, at dangal ng mga Katutubo. [...] Siya ay isang aktibista na tunay na nagsusulong para sa magandang kinabukasan ng kabataan at minorya,” Mercedita De Jesus stated.
(We are appealing to the perpetrator of this incident. Bazoo truly serves the people. He stands for the life, land, and honor of the Indigenous Peoples. [...] He is an activist who advocates for the youth and minorities’ better future.)
On the other hand, Eli Capuyan, brother of Dexter, seek assistance from independent groups and individuals to join the call to #SurfaceDexterAndBazoo and assist them in locating the two.
“Hinihiling po namin ang tulong ng sino man. Kung may nalalaman po kayo kung nasaan man sina Dexter at Bazoo, tulungan ninyo po sana kami. Sa mga may hawak po sa kanila, kayo rin po ay may mga kapatid o may mga anak. Maiintindihan niyo po ang hirap na dinaranas namin ngayon,” Eli Capuyan, brother of Dexter, said.
(We are asking for your help. If you know anything about the whereabouts of Dexter and Bazoo, please help us. To those who abducted them, you also have siblings or children. You can understand the hardship we are going through right now.)
While we call for the immediate surfacing of the two, Longid warned the police, military, and other Philippine government security agents to desist from intimidating groups and individuals who assist in locating Bazoo and Dexter.
The Panaghiusa Philippine Network to Uphold IPs’ Rights echoes the call of Bazoo and Dexter’s family, human rights groups, paralegal groups and human rights defenders to uphold the human rights of Bazoo and Dexter.
We urge the Commission on Human Rights to conduct an immediate and independent investigation into the disappearance of Bazoo and Dexter. Perpetrators of the incident must be held accountable. The CIDG’s abduction of the two violates provisions of the Republic Act 10353 or the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012, such as Section 6: Right of Access to Communication and Section 10: Official Up-to-Date Register of All Persons Detained and Confined, among others.
It is now more than ever that we protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and IPs’ rights advocates. Amid continuing systematic attacks, such as criminalization, surveillance, and red-tagging against Filipinos, we must reiterate and uphold our rights granted by the Constitution, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other existing laws and policies.
SURFACE BAZOO DE JESUS!
SURFACE DEXTER CAPUYAN!
STOP THE ATTACKS!
Reference:
KR Abalos
Communications Officer
Panaghiusa Philippine Network to Uphold Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
09275496238
communication.panaghiusa@gmail.com
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