JOINT STATEMENT Abra Human Rights Movement (AHRM) Ilocos Human Rights Alliance (IHRA) December 15, 2013 !

The Abra Human Rights Movement (AHRM) and the Ilocos Human Rights Alliance (IHRA) are alarmed about the continuing detention of Ivan P. Bontorostro by the 503rd Infantry Brigade. Col. Bautista claims that Bontorostro whom they suspect to be a member of the New Peoples Army allegedly surrendered to the 41st Infantry Battalion on December 9, 2013. This is in contradiction with the report received by AHRM on the said date when relatives of a Joel Cabannag who was accosted with Bontorostro asked assistance in locating the whereabouts of the two. Cabannag and Bontorostro were apprehended and arrested by elements of the 41st Batallion at Gisang, Aguibo, Malibcong, Abra. On December 10, AHRM together with residents of Malibcong trooped to the 41st IB detachment in Gisang, Aguibo to search for the two. Soldiers manning the detachment bombarded the group with questions about their identity instead of confirming whether the two who were being located were under their custody. However, because of the groups insistence, the soldiers confessed that they accosted Bontorostro and Cabannag. The soldiers claimed that they are in good condition but were transferred to their battalion headquarters in Baquero, Licuan-Baay. On the afternoon of December 11, 2013, the family of Cabannag informed AHRM that he was already released but his companion is still detained. On December 12, AHRM was informed that Bontorostro was again transferred to the 503rd IBde HQ in Barbarit, Lagangilang. AHRM consistently trooped to the different camps to insist to see Bontorostro but the army continuously denied this request. It was only on December 13 that members of AHRM were able to confirm that Bontorostro is under the custody of the army through the residents of Baquero who claimed they saw the soldiers accompany the two who were arrested at the Municipal Health Center for check-up. On December 14, AHRM and Ilocos Human Rights Alliance (IHRA) went to the 503rd IBde HQ where Capt. Erwin Libnao, Public Information Officer admitted that Bontorostro is under the custody of the 41st IB and is currently undergoing a series of tactical interrogation and debriefing. He further stated that Bontorostro is in good condition and will be presented to the public on Monday or Tuesday (December 16 or 17, 2013). Capt. Libnao refused to present Bontorostro to AHRM claiming that the person is currently in Isabela with his brother. But AHRM was able to confirm through Bontorostros mother that the brother Capt. Libnao is referring to is not with him in Isabela but in Manila with her. Mrs. Bontorostro also said that a certain Capt. Lagarte and Anton went to see her on December 12 and asked for the whereabouts of Ivan but eventually admitted that they (Ivans family) dont have to worry because Ivan is in their custody. With this revelation, Capt. Libnao retracted his previous statement and said that he is not the authorized person to deal with on the said case. Bontorostro has been in the custody of the 503rd IB for six days since his arrest without any charges filed against him. He is illegally detained by the AFP. He has no access to a lawyer of his choice. No one has seen his conditions in detention yet. As of press, the 503rd Infantry Brigade and the 41st Infantry Batallion have not given Bontorostros family and human rights workers access to him despite repeated appeals. His family, counsel and AHRM have the right to visit and talk to him to know his condition. For the past six days, the AFP was unable to provide material and substantive assurance that Bontorostro is in good condition and is not experiencing torture. Unless AHRM, his family or legal counsel see and talk to him in person, we cannot dismiss the notion that he may have been and continue to be subjected to unwillful agreements and physical, emotional and psychological distress. We join his family in calling for his release from military detention. Free Ivan P. Bontorostro! Free all political prisoners!

References:

IRENE TIMBREZA Vice-Chairperson, AHRM 09054042049

MILA MARCELO Public Information Officer, IHRA 09295650373