Philippines: Disappearance of Peasant Organizer

Human Rights Defenders 
CASE PHL 070597

The International Secretariat of OMCT/SOS-Torture requests your URGENT
intervention in the following situation in the Philippines.

Brief description of the situation:
The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, a member of the network,
has expressed its grave concern for the physical and psychological
integrity of Romeo Cortez, 48, and peasant organiser, who is feared
forcibly disappeared.

According to information received, on 1 April, at around 6.30 pm,
Romeo Cortez, an active peasant organiser was illegally arrested by
three unidentified men in white T shirt and Jeans, driving a white
L200 pick up.

Witness Wencislao David, said that while he and the victim were riding
a three wheeler motor bike on their way home from San Roque, they
noticed three unidentified men in a L200 pick-up parked in front of
Tonyong Bulag's house (The information does not disclose who of
Tonyong Bulag is). The three men appeared to be  waiting for someone.
Mr. David also said that the place appeared unusual that day. Usually,
he said, the light post in front of Tonyong Bulag's house has been
switched on by that time and many people normally gather outside.

As soon as they reached the parked L200 pick-up, the three armed men
got out of the pick-up and approached Mr. David and the victim.  Mr.
David said he overheard one of the armed men saying "iyan si Embot"
("that's Embot" - referring to Romeo), then the other two forced the
victim into the parked L200 pick-up. The witness said he was not able
to ask for assistance, as there was no one in the vicinity.

According to other witnesses a pick-up truck of the same description
was seen heading towards Sto. Domingo, Mexico, Pampanga. Mr. David
then went to the victim's family and told them about the incident. At
around 8:00 p.m. the same day, the father of the victim sought
assistance from Vice Mayor Espino of Sta. Ana, Mexico.  He was advised
to go to the municipal hall to have the incident reported.  At around
9:00 p.m., the victim's brother, Salvador Cortez, went to the
municipal hall and had the incident registered.  During the interview
with the Chief of Police, Salvador said the motive for his brother's
arrest was not clear.  

However, data gathered from people of nearby barrios point that the
strongest probable motive of the illegal arrest was the victim's
active participation in organizing peasants in the barrio. The
victim's family has sought the assistance of Mayor Punzalan of Mexico,
and have searched in Camp Olivas. The whereabouts of Romeo Cortez
remains unknown.

Given the circumstances of the forcible disappearance of Romeo Cortez,
the International Secretariat is gravely concerned for his physical
and psychological integrity. 

OMCT notes with concern that other human rights defenders in
Philippines have been subjected to threats in the course of this year.
See Case PHL 070297

Action requested :
Please write to the Authorities in the Philippines urging them to :


I. take all the necessary measures to immediately locate the
whereabouts of Romeo Cortez and guarantee his physical and
psychological integrity and secure his immediate his release;

II. carry out an exhaustive and impartial investigation into the
alleged facts, in order to identify those responsible, bring them to
trial in a civil court, and apply the penal, civil and/or
administrative sanctions in accordance with the law;

III. take all necessary measures to end acts of threats, intimidation
and disappearances of human rights defenders;


IV. guarantee at all times the full respect of human rights and
fundamental freedoms in the country, in accordance with national laws
and international standards.

Addresses :
H.E. Fidel V. Ramos, President, Malacanang Palace, Manila, Philippines
Fax : (+ 63 2) 731 13 25 (via Press Secretary to the President)

General Arturo Enrile, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines
and Head of Military Intelligence Group, Camp Aguinaldo, Quenzon City,
Philippines.Fax : + 63 2 832 3793 - Telex : 22471 DND PH / 42002
DCSLOG PM

Andres R. Narvas, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines,
Padre Faure, Manila, Philippines.  Fax : + 63 2 522 3211 - Telegrams :
Chief Justice Narvasa, Manila, Philippines

Teofisto T. Guingona, Secretary of Justice, Department of Justice,
Padre Faure Street, Ermita, Metro Manila, Philippines.  Fax : + 63 2
521 1614 - Telegram : Secretary of Justice Guingona, Manil,
Philippines

Geneva 07 May 1997 

Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the exact case
number of this appeal.


Ben Schonveld 
Projects Manager
OMCT-SOS-Torture
Fax 4122 733 1051
Ph  4122 733 3140
OMCT is: l'Organisation Mondiale contre la Torture
         The World Organisation Against Torture

OMCT@IPROLINK.CH
http://www.omct.org/

The Human Rights Action Network, a part of Derechos Human Rights, distributes appeals on behalf of victims of human rights violations. You are invited to join the network. Please check the date of the present action and do not write if it's over a month old.