Calls to surface Dexter Capuyan and Gene Roz Jamil “Bazoo” De Jesus intensify as the two Indigenous People’s rights activists are yet to be found 27 days after their disappearance in Taytay, Rizal.

During a protest held at the UP Baguio’s Himnasyo Amianan on May 16, various groups decried over the continuous attack of state security forces on progressive individuals.

“Gusto nating patampukin ang lumalalang atake sa ating mga karapatan at kapakanan… kasama rin sa ating panawagan ang surface Dexter Capuyan and Bazoo De Jesus, parehong graduate ng UP Baguio, na huling nakita noong April 28,” said Mark “Nicolai” Cañas, from Alliance of Concerned Students (ACS).

[We denounce the worsening attack on our rights and welfare… our call also includes the surface Dexter Capuyan and Bazoo De Jesus, both graduates of UP Baguio, who were last seen on April 28]

Capuyan and De Jesus are both alumni of UP Baguio who championed the fight of students for their rights and welfare.

The two activists were suspected of being abducted by state security forces for their activism after Capuyan was then accused of holding high ranks in the New People’s Army (NPA

Heightened terror

With the alleged involvement of state security forces in the disappearance of progressive individuals, National Democratic Mass Organizations (NDMO) raise questions about their safety.

“Tinitignan ng estado na pwede nilang gawin satin ito, sa mga estudyante or to anyone na nakikipaglaban para sa karapatan ng mamamayan. Iniisip nila [ng estado] na pwede nila tayong patahimikin at hulihin,” said Cañas, also a member of Anakbayan – UP Baguio. 

[The state is looking at whether they can do this to us… to students… or to anyone who fights for the rights of the people. They [the state] think they can silence us and arrest us.]

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that the sudden disappearances like Dexter and Bazoo show that activists remain vulnerable to life-threatening situations.

“This latest case of desaparecidos manifests the continuing vulnerability of activists to involuntary disappearance and its other possible implications, such as illegal detention, torture, and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment,” CHR said.

Growing clamor

Pat Daloria, the chairperson of the UPB Council of Leaders, further reiterated the call.

“Ipinanawagan natin ang pagpapalitaw kila Dexter at Bazoo dahil alam natin at naniniwala tayo na may mga karapatan sila na depensahan ang kanilang sarili sa ano mang paratang na ibinabato sakanila at patunayan ang kanilang mga sarili,” Daloria said.

[We are calling for the surfacing of Dexter and Bazoo because we know and believe that they have the right to defend themselves against any accusation that is thrown at them and to prove themselves.]

Along with the progressive groups, the All UP Academic Employees’ Union – Baguio Chapter also showed support to surface the missing activists. 

“The All UP Academic Employees’ Union – Baguio Chapter strongly affirms the call for the public to assist in searching and verifying their location and situation. We strongly demand for the respect of their human rights and access to due process,” the Union said in a Facebook post on May 19. 

As writing, Capuyan and De Jesus’ whereabouts are still being investigated by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Their loved ones, along with progressive groups and unions in Baguio, continue to appeal for public support in locating and ensuring their safety.

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