The search for missing Lumad activist Genasque Enriquez has entered its tenth day, with human rights groups condemning the military’s refusal to acknowledge inquiries regarding his whereabouts.

Enriquez, a prominent Lumad leader, was reportedly arrested on March 2, 2025, but his location remains unknown. 

A humanitarian and fact-finding mission composed of Katribu, Tanggol Magsasaka, Karapatan, and Agham has been working to locate him. 

However, elements of the 401st Infantry Brigade stationed in Brgy. Awa, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, refused to receive or acknowledge the inquiry forms filed to determine whether Enriquez is in their custody.

“We condemn the ploys of the military and urge them to respond with transparency in accordance with Republic Act No. 10353, or the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act,” the humanitarian mission said in an appeal.

The law mandates government agencies, including the military and police, to disclose if they have a missing individual in custody.

Human rights organizations assert that Enriquez’s continued disappearance violates multiple legal protections, including the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and Republic Act No. 9851, which criminalizes enforced disappearances.

Meanwhile, Michelle Campos, another Lumad leader arrested on March 6, has been confirmed to be confined at Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Brgy. Patin-ay, Prosperidad. 

However, access to Campos by her legal counsel and family has been denied by the military, raising concerns about her safety and welfare.

“There is no reason for Michelle to be treated as a detainee inside the hospital,” the search team said, reiterating calls for unrestricted access for her legal representatives and family.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the Caraga region has initiated a Quick Response Operation (QRO) to verify Campos’ condition and intensify efforts to locate Enriquez. 

The humanitarian mission urged CHR to mediate to ensure Campos’ rights are protected and Enriquez is surfaced immediately.

“We call for CHR to be a mediator to ensure that Michelle Campos’ rights are not violated while in the custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and to aid in locating Genasque Enriquez,” said Katribu in a statement.

The military has yet to provide any public response regarding Enriquez’s whereabouts or the denial of access to Campos.