Surface the disappeared!

Statement on the series of enforced disappearances under Marcos-Duterte regime

Malaya Movement USA joins various human rights groups in sounding the alarm on the disturbing spike of enforced disappearances by Marcos-Duterte state forces. We call on the diaspora, international community and the people to demand immediate action from the Marcos Jr. government.

Since Marcos Jr took office, at least 21 individuals have been reported abducted or forcibly disappeared. Among those abducted are youth and student organizers, peasants, and workers who are deeply committed to the fight for human rights and democracy in the Philippines.

This sharp increase in the cases of enforced disappearances points to this tactic as state-sanctioned policy. We are appalled at the outright disregard for International Humanitarian Law by the Marcos-Duterte regime.

We are nearly one year into Marcos Jr.’s presidency and the culture of impunity that marked the Duterte years remains. Like his father, Marcos Jr. projects himself a benign figure while using the same tactics Marcos Sr. used against activists and civilians during the Martial Law years.

We call on Malaya Movement USA members and fellow human rights advocates to continue to sound the alarm regarding these blatant abuses of power. As we mourn the loss of those who were murdered, we continue to call for the immediate surfacing of those who remain under state custody. Stop the abductions! Surface all those who have disappeared!