By Nimfa Estrellado Members of the UPLB community held a candlelight vigil on August 25th at the Carabao Park to condemn the Lucena City Dis...
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| Members of the UPLB community held a candlelight vigil on August 25th at the Carabao Park to condemn the Lucena City District Jail for delaying Maria Salome Crisostomo's release, which tragically led to her disappearance. (Photo from Karylle Payas ) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Youth activist Rowena Dasig's whereabouts remain unknown, days after her acquittal in a firearms case. The Youth Movement Against Tyranny - Southern Tagalog and her legal team express grave concern over her safety.
Dasig, a vocal advocate for environmental and health rights, was arrested in July 2023 on charges of illegal firearm possession. A Quezon court acquitted her on August 13, 2024, citing insufficient evidence. However, her legal team faced obstacles in securing her release from the Lucena City District Jail.
Despite fulfilling all requirements, the jail warden reportedly delayed her release, refusing to hand her over to her legal representatives. On August 22, the jail informed the paralegals that Dasig had already been released to her family, a claim her family denies.
Human rights groups, including Karapatan Southern Tagalog, accuse the jail of negligence and complicity in Dasig's disappearance. They allege she was handed over to unidentified individuals, possibly linked to the military.
"The Lucena City District Jail blatantly lies and does not provide information to paralegals and attorneys regarding their client's whereabouts," Karapatan Southern Tagalog stated.
Dasig's lawyers, La Viña, Zarate & Associates, condemn the jail's actions and call for her immediate return. They fear for her safety, citing a history of human rights abuses against activists in the region.
"We sincerely hope that she is brought to safety and that her rights are protected," the lawyers stated.
The disappearance has sparked outrage among youth groups and human rights advocates. They demand accountability from the jail and a thorough investigation into Dasig's whereabouts.
UPLB community holding a candlelight vigil condemning the jail's role. They are calling for justice for Dasig and urging authorities to prioritize her safe return. The community vows to continue fighting for the protection of activists and human rights defenders in the region.
Call for Justice
The Youth Movement Against Tyranny - Southern Tagalog urges the public to help locate Dasig and continue her fight for environmental justice. They also call for an end to state-sanctioned harassment and intimidation of activists.
"In the face of such tyrannical rule, we continue our call for Dasig’s safety and freedom," the group declared.
Her disappearance follows a disturbing pattern of activists facing threats and harassment in the Philippines. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests, particularly targeting those critical of the government.
The government has yet to issue an official statement on Dasig's disappearance. However, the incident has sparked a public outcry, with many Filipinos expressing their concern for her safety and demanding justice.
The hashtag #JusticeForOwen has been trending on social media, with netizens calling for her immediate release and an end to the harassment and intimidation of activists in the country. Dasig's disappearance is not an isolated incident.
Human rights groups have documented numerous cases of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests, particularly targeting those critical of the government. The incident has brought the issue of human rights in the Philippines back into the spotlight, raising questions about the government's commitment to protecting its citizens' fundamental rights and freedoms.
The international community has also taken notice of Dasig's disappearance. Several human rights organizations and foreign governments have expressed their concern and called on the Philippine government to conduct a swift and impartial investigation. The United Nations Human Rights Council has also urged the government to take all necessary measures to ensure Dasig's safe return and to hold those responsible for her disappearance accountable.
As the search for Dasig continues, her case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by activists in the Philippines. It underscores the urgent need for the government to uphold its human rights obligations and to create a safe and enabling environment for those who dare to speak out against injustice.
The fight for justice for Dasig and other victims of human rights abuses continues, with the hope that their voices will not be silenced and that their struggles will lead to a more just and equitable society.
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