On January 3, 2012, Najir Ahung, 38, Rasdie Kasaran, 21 and Yusup Mohammad, 19 all from Al-Barka, Basilan travelled from Zamboanga to Manila via Air Philippines as scholars of the International University of Africa in Sudan. They were scheduled to leave for Khartoum, Sudan via Qatar Airways at 12:10 a.m. of January 4, 2012. Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Najir Ahung was able to send an SMS message to his brother, Barangay Captain Jamih Arawi of Barangay Guinanta, Al-Barka, Basilan confirming that they have arrived in Manila.
The shrine has been a mute witness to the pain and anguish of mothers, wives, children and other relatives who still feel the inhumanity of their loved ones' deprivation of liberty and multiple violations of human rights in the hands of their captors. That justice has been elusive and impunity is the order of the day are a reality they confront with hope never wanting.
In commemoration of the 39th anniversary of the declaration of martial law, the Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND) in cooperation with the Office of the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives opens today a two-day photo exhibit in the north wing lobby of the House to give face to enforced disappearance.
"By baring the face of this odious offense that martial law spawned, we hope to stir an amalgam of compassion, courage and love of country among the viewers even as we call for an end to impunity," FIND Co-chairperson Nilda L. Sevilla said.
"We urge the Aquino government to immediately enact a law penalizing enforced disappearance and help the families of desaparecidos bring the perpetrators to justice." Sevilla added.
Pandaigdigang Araw ng mga Desaparecidos
Ang sinumang inaresto, dinukot at palihim na ikinulong ay nanganganib ang buhay. Ito ay naglalagay sa kanya labas sa proteksyon ng batas. Ang ganitong sitwasyon ay maaaring magbubukas ng katakot-takot na paglabag ng iba pang karapatang pantao ng biktima katulad ng karapatan laban sa tortyur at karapatan sa buhay.
Anupa't kung ang may kagagawan ay mismong taong gubyerno na siyang dapat kumukupkop at nagtatanggol ng kanyang buhay, seguridad at kalayaan?
We support the immediate enactment of the proposed Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2011 and the signing and ratification by the Philippine Government of the United Nations International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPAPED).
