Edita Burgos saddened by Año’s appointment as Army chief

Hopes for justice among victims of human rights violations like the missing Jonas Burgos have been doused with the appointment of Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año as commanding general of the Philippine Army, Burgos' mother Edita said on Wednesday.

Año was linked to the disappearance of the activist in 2007.

"It is a sad day for human rights victims and defenders," Edita told GMA News Online.

"Truly with the appointment of Año there is no hope at all that we will obtain justice for human rights victims under the watch of (President Benigno) Aquino (III)," she added.

"I fear for victims, defenders, independent-minded human rights workers," Edita said.

Edita has repeatedly blocked Año's promotions in the military ranks before the bicameral Commission on Appointments, saying the Army official was involved in the disappearance of her son.

Año, however, has repeatedly denied the allegation.

In April, as she marked the eighth year of her son's disappearance, Edita urged Aquino to order the Philippine Army to "return Jonas to the family, at whatever state he is in."

Jonas was abducted on April 28, 2007, allegedly by military personnel while having lunch at a restaurant inside the Ever Gotesco Mall in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

In July 2011, the Supreme Court ordered the military to produce Jonas.

In March 2013, the Court of Appeals said in its findings that his abduction was a case of enforced disappearance and the AFP-Philippine Army was accountable. -Rose- An Jessica Dioquino and Amita Legaspi/NB, GMA News