Kins pursue legal actions for abducted activists

THE relatives of two missing activists – Felix Salaveria Jr. and James Jazmines – in Albay province announced plans to petition the Supreme Court for Writ of Amparo and Writ of Habeas Data, expressing their desire to see their loved ones safe and alive.

Authorities are also investigating the alleged abductions of the two whose disappearance were believed by human rights lawyer and professor Antonio La Viña to be a handiwork of professional abductors.

A Writ of Amparo is a legal remedy available to anyone whose right to life, liberty, or security is violated or threatened by unlawful actions, whether by public officials or private individuals. The Writ of Habeas Data, meanwhile, allows citizens to access, challenge, or correct personal information collected by the government or private entities.

Jazmines, 63, is the younger brother of former National Democratic Front consultant Alan Jazmines. He went missing on August 23 after attending Salaveria’s birthday celebration in Tabaco City. According to Cristina Palabay, secretary-general of the human rights group Karapatan, Salaveria first reported Jazmines’ disappearance.

“From 10 p.m. onwards, Felix couldn’t reach James, so he tried searching along the possible routes James might have taken on his bike. Two days later, Felix was abducted,” Palabay shared.

Salaveria went missing on August 28. Video footage shows him walking in Barangay Cobo, Tabaco City, when men forced him into a van. The video also captured several motorcycle and bicycle riders observing the area.

On August 23, CCTV footage showed a van entering Barangay San Lorenzo, also in Tabaco City. Karapatan believes this van was used in the abduction of Jazmines. Given the number of individuals involved, La Viña remarked that the incidents appear to be "professional operations."

“Several vehicles were involved—vans, motorcycles. In Jazmines’ case, there could have been around 10 people; for Salaveria, five or six. This is likely a professional operation, possibly carried out by a state agency. We demand that the police conduct a thorough investigation,” La Viña stated.

He added, “We don’t have concrete proof, but past experiences suggest state-sanctioned actions. It could be rogue military or police units.”

Palabay also noted a “pattern” in the abductions of the two activists. “First, they were red-tagged. Second, the manner of their abduction. Third, the clear use of resources. These indicate a state-perpetrated abduction, making this an enforced disappearance,” she explained.

Felicia, Salaveria’s daughter, expressed her concern, saying, “I’m worried about my father’s condition; I don’t even know if he’s eating properly.” Salaveria’s other daughter, Gab Ferrer, added, “Some days you’re just consumed by worry, but on others, you have to gather strength and take action.”

The families of Jazmines and Salaveria are coordinating with the Commission on Human Rights. Salaveria’s family has also filed reports with the barangay, local police, and the local government.

“What we want most is to see our father alive and well,” Ferrer emphasized.

The Philippine National Police in Albay has assured the public that they will prioritize the case. “Our coordination with human rights groups is ongoing, and we will pursue this case until justice is served for the missing men,” said Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon, the head of the Police Regional Office in Bicol.