Panaghiusa welcomes CA’s granting of Writs of Amparo, Habeas Data for Desap Felix Salaveria Jr.

[TAGALOG] Panaghiusa tinatanggap ang pagbigay ng CA ng Writs of Amparo, Habeas Data para kay Felix Salaveria Jr. na isang Desap

We welcome the Court of Appeals’ decision granting the privileges of Writs of Amparo and Habeas Data in favor of the family of Indigenous Peoples’ rights advocate Felix Salaveria Jr. This ruling affirms what communities have long known: that the Philippine National Police failed to exercise extraordinary diligence in investigating Felix’s disappearance, and must be held accountable.

"The court’s recognition of the State’s responsibility is a step forward, but justice remains elusive. We echo the call of Felix’s daughters: the fight is far from over. We demand a thorough, independent investigation and the surfacing of Felix, alive and safe," said Rikki Mae Gono, National Coordinator of Panaghiusa.

Photo from Karapatan.

This case is not isolated. It reflects the broader and ongoing struggle of Indigenous Peoples and their advocates who face harassment, abduction, and violence for defending ancestral lands and asserting the right to self-determination. From destructive mining and mega-dam projects to land grabbing and militarization, Indigenous communities continue to resist development aggression that threatens their way of life.

We also reiterate our urgent call: Surface Dexter Capuyan, Bazoo De Jesus, and all Desaparecidos now!

Dexter, a Bontok-Ibaloi-Kankanaey, and Bazoo, an Indigenous Peoples’ rights defender, were abducted on April 28, 2023, by individuals identifying themselves as CIDG agents. Their continued disappearance is a grave violation of human rights and a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by Indigenous advocates.

We call on all sectors of society to stand with the Indigenous Peoples and advocates and join our calls:

• Uphold human rights!

• Stop the attacks on Indigenous Peoples!

• Surface all Desaparecidos!

• Hold perpetrators of rights violations accountable!

• Defend ancestral lands and assert the right to self-determination!

  
  

The struggle for truth and justice continues. We will not be silenced. We will not stop until every Indigenous voice is heard and every Desaparecido is surfaced. #

Reference: 

Rikki Mae Gono

National Coordinator

Panaghiusa Philippine Network to Uphold Indigenous Peoples’ Rights