The Persistent Menace of Enforced Disappearances in the Philippines

The recent acquittal of a senior Army general in the 2006 kidnapping and torture of two brothers in the Philippines highlights the chilling reality of impunity surrounding enforced disappearances. With their screams for justice unfulfilled, the countless families who are still searching for their missing loved ones can relate to Raymond Manalo's emotional response to the verdict.

A bleak picture of the situation is painted by this acquittal, which occurs as new incidences of kidnappings are reported around the nation. The abduction of activists Lee Sudario, Norman Ortiz, Job Abednego David, Peter del Monte, Alia Encela, Jonila Castro, Jhed Tamayo, Dexter Capuyan, Gene Roz Jamil de Jesus, Armand Dayoha, and Dyan Gumanao serves as an example of the urgency of the situation and the necessity for immediate action to put an end to this heinous practice.

Although legislation to stop forced disappearances was passed in 2012, its effectiveness is still up for dispute. Raising the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances to a high priority will guarantee thorough investigations and successful prosecutions of those accountable, irrespective of their position or rank.

The lingering effects of forced disappearances demand not just our attention, but also our concerted efforts to put an end to this cruel violation of human rights.