PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 35/003/2004

20 August 2004

Further Information on UA 242/04 (ASA 35/008/2004, 06 August 2004) - "Disappearance"/Fear of extrajudicial execution

PHILIPPINES Alvin S. Valdez (m), aged 22

Acknowledging numerous letters of concern about the 16 July abduction of Alvin Valdez by men believed to have been police officers, the Governor of North Cotabato province issued a public statement on 11 August pledging to bring those responsible to justice. He stated that he would not tolerate "extrajudicial actions or summary executions [by police]". The whereabouts of Alvin Valdez remain unknown, and there are unconfirmed reports that he was killed shortly after he was abducted.

The Governor is reported to have recommended that the Chief of Police of Kidapawan be suspended until inquiries into the abduction are completed. Eyewitnesses have stated in sworn affidavits that the Chief of Police had been present when Alvin Valdez was taken away from his girlfriend’s home in Kidapawan, North Cotabato province. However, in a weekly radio program hosted by the Governor, the Chief of Police publicly denied the accusations made against him and the Kidapawan police, and added that separate investigations were being made to establish the truth.

Investigators have reportedly called for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), or the national Commission on Human Rights (CHR), to join the inquiry. North Cotabatoprovincial police have submitted a report claiming that inquiries in the neighbourhood where Alvin Valdez lived were hampered by residents' fear of reprisals. Residents reportedly assured police investigators that witnesses would come forward if a full investigation was made by the NBI or CHR.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English or your own language:

- expressing concern for the safety of Alvin Valdez, who was abducted on 16 July in Kidapawan City, Mindanao, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

- welcoming the Governor of North Cotabato province's public statement that he will not tolerate "extrajudicial operations and summary executions";

- welcoming continuing investigations into the abduction of Alvin Valdez, urging that they be full and impartial, and calling for those responsible to be brought to justice;

- urging that witnesses and others assisting the investigations be given complete and lasting protection against the threat of reprisals, whatever the source of such threats.

APPEALS TO:

Hon Emmanuel F. Pinol,

Governor of North Cotabato Province,

Capitol Complex, Amas

Kidapawan City, Philippines

Fax: + 63 64 288 1799

E-mail: info@cotabatoprov.gov.ph

Salutation: Dear Governor Pinol

Hon Edgardo Aglipay

Director General, Philippine National Police

National Headquarters

Camp Crame

EDSA, cor. Santolan Road

Quezon City, Philippines

Fax: +63 2 724-8763

Salutation: Dear Director Aglipay

General Angelo Tomas Reyes

Secretary of Interior and Local Government

Department of the Interior and Local Government

A. Francisco Gold Condominium II, EDSA cnr. Mapagmahal St

Diliman 1100

Quezon City, Philippines

Fax: +63 2 925-0332

E-Mail: osec@dilg.gov.ph

Salutation: Dear Secretary Reyes

COPIES TO:

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Malacañang Palace

J.P. Laurel St

San Miguel 1005

Manila, Philippines

Fax: + 63 2 733 2107

Salutation: Dear President Macapagal-Arroyo

and to diplomatic representatives of the Philippines accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 2 October 2004.