A new CCTV footage has emerged indicating that state forces may have been involved in the recent abduction James Jazmines and Felix Salaveria Jr. in Tabaco City, Albay.
Jazmines and Salaveria Jr. were abducted on August 23 and August 28, 2024, respectively. Karapatan highlighted CCTV footage that suggests the involvement of state forces in these disappearances, underscoring the need for an official response.
Cristina Palabay, secretary general of the group, said that these incidents are clear violations of Republic Act No. 10353, a law against enforced disappearances established in 2012.
During a search mission from September 11-13, 2024, CCTV footage showed men in plain clothes abducting Salaveria near his home. The footage captured the men in a Toyota van with plate number VAA5504 abducting Salaveria at 11:03 am on August 28. Persons of interest also included individuals on motorcycles seen during the incident.
In a separate footage on August 23, 2024, a Toyota van with plate number NDR5274 was recorded entering the barangay where James Jazmines was abducted at 10:00 pm and leaving at 10:16 pm. Following the van were a black Hilux pick-up, a gray Avanza, and a gray Innova vehicle. This period aligns with the estimated time of Jazmines’ abduction.
Later, police reportedly entered Salaveria’s residence to seize personal items. The vehicle used in his abduction was also recorded, with its plate number documented.
In a press briefing on Sept. 23, human rights lawyer Antonio La Viña said the CCTV footage suggested that the abductions were “professional” and “sophisticated” operations that “only the state security [forces] could do.”
Gab Ferrer, daughter of Salaveria, criticized the national police for what she described as a “lack of urgency” in addressing her father’s abduction.
“I am appealing to [authorities] to do everything within their power to find my father because they have the access and resources to make it happen,” she said.
Under RA 10353, state security must provide details on the whereabouts of missing persons and disclose locations of detention facilities for inspection by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Those responsible for enforced disappearances face life imprisonment.
Despite these laws, Palabay raised concerns about the increase in disappearances, linking them to a culture of impunity under the current administration.
“Three disappearances occurred in August alone—those of Jazmines, Salaveria, and former political prisoner Rowena Dasig,” she noted. “This totals 15 victims since Marcos Jr. assumed office.”
Karapatan called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the disappearances of Jazmines and Salaveria and ensure that the two are returned safely to their families. It underscored the importance of exacting accountability and delivering justice to the victims of abduction.#
