Environmental activist asks SC for protective writs

On Friday, the International Day of the Disappeared, an environmental activist who said he was abducted by armed men filed a petition for a writ of amparo and writ of habeas data with the Supreme Court (SC).  

In a 16-page petition, Francisco “Eco” Dangla III asked the High Court to grant him, his immediate family, and his witnesses a temporary protection order.

The petition for a writ of amparo is a remedy available to anyone whose right to life, liberty, and security is violated or threatened. Meanwhile, the petition for a writ of habeas data is a remedy available to anyone whose right to life, liberty, or security is violated by entities gathering data or information.

Dangla said he was abducted in March by armed men in Dagupan City. He added that he was questioned about his work and affiliations.

According to Dangla, his interrogators would punch or kick him, slap him, or threaten to kill him if he gave an unsatisfactory answer. He said he was also threatened with electrocution.

He later said he confessed under duress to being a member of the New People’s Army and the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Dangla was released following this. He said he was instructed to resume communication with his “kasamas” and update his abductors.

He said it was “undeniable” that his abductors were members of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The respondents in Dangla's petitions were PA Commanding General Lieutenant General Roy Galido, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil, and others.

When sought for comment, Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said it respects the petition filed by Dangla.

“The PA stands firm in our conviction that it does not violate or threaten Mr. Dangla’s right to life, liberty, and security,” he told GMA News Online.

“The PA is a disciplined and professional organization that adheres to the rule of law and international humanitarian law,” he added.

Meanwhile, human rights groups also trooped to the Supreme Court to call for justice for “desaparecidos” or the disappeared.

The protestors held up posters of abducted individuals. They also laid down posters of several individuals on the ground. — DVM/RSJ, GMA Integrated News