MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed alarm yesterday over the disappearance of a labor leader in Bukidnon last month.
Suspected military agents reportedly arrested William Lariosa, a member of the Kilusang Mayo Uno in Southern Mindanao, in Barangay Butong in Quezon town on April 10.
“The commission is committed to conduct an independent investigation on the case and both regional offices (in Davao and Northern Mindanao) in coordination with the Lariosa family and relevant agencies and groups to speed up the search and determine his safety,” the CHR said.
“We urge the public who may have leads on the location of Lariosa to reach out to investigation groups,” it said.
The police and military have yet to issue a statement on Lariosa’s supposed arrest.
The CHR said arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of liberty are grave violations of human rights as provided under Republic Act 10353 or the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act. These include illegal arrest, detention and kidnapping.
“We hope that the state will take decisive actions in confronting this matter before another case of a missing labor organizer arises,” the CHR said.