The Human Rights Actions Network
www.derechos.org/human- rights/actions/
ACTION REQUEST
Case PHL110897
The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your URGENT
intervention in the following situation in the Philippines.
Brief description of the situation:
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, a member of the network, have
expressed their grave concern for the physical and psychological
integrity of Mr Gaudencio Devaras, a community organiser based in
Purok Dabu, Sitio Mapalad, Lucapon South, Sta. Cruz, Zambales
According to the information received, at around 4 p.m. on July 12,
1997, while Gaudencio Devaras and three other persons were at the
house of Juan Cabungason, (also known as Tatay Juan) a number of
persons of the 68th Infantry Batallion, Philippine Army entered the
building and attempted to apprehend the four persons. The other three
persons apparently managed to escape, but Gaudencio Devaras was found
hiding underneath the house.
Gaudencio Devaras was then dragged from his hiding place and forced to
the ground. His arms were tied behind his back. Tatay Juan states that
members of the Battalion, led by Lt. Fernando beat Gaudencio Devaras
with rifle butts and amongst other actions burnt his tongue with lit
cigarettes. The attack apparently took place in front of child members
of Mr Juan's family. The information states that the beating was
apparently connected to the allegation that Gaudencio Devaras is
linked to "the New People's Army" (an armed group).
The information suggests that during the beating Gaudencio Devaras
admitted the accusations against him. Gaudencio Devaras was then
apparently airlifted by helicopter to point out the location of an NPA
camp. Witnesses stated that they later heard explosions from the
direction that the helicopter had flown. Witnesses immediately
reported the incident to human rights groups who instigated a
fact-finding mission to investigate.
Human rights groups visited both the National Police and the
approriate military installations but were unable to identify his
whereabouts.
Given the circumstances of the dissapearance the International
Secretariat expresses its grave concern for the physical and
psychological integrity of Gaudencio Devaras whose whereabouts remain
unknown.
Action requested:
Please write to the authorities of the Philippines urging them to:
i immediately locate the whereabouts and guarantee the physical and
psychological integrity of Gaudencio Devaras
ii order his immediate release in the absence of valid charges or if
such charges exist, bring him before a competent and impartial civil
tribunal and guarantee their procedural rights at all times;
iii carry out an impartial and thorough investigation into the extents
identify those responsible and impose upon them the civil, penal
and/or administrative sanctions provided by law
iv to ensure in all circumstances the full respect of human rights and
fundamental freedoms in accordance with national and international
standards.
Addresses:
H.E. Fidel V. Ramos, President, Malacanang Palace, Manila,
Philippines. Fax : (+ 63 2) 731 13 25 (via Press Secretary to the
President)
General Arturo Enrile, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines
and Head of Military Intelligence Group, Camp Aguinaldo, Quenzon City,
Philippines.Fax : + 63 2 832 3793 - Telex : 22471 DND PH / 42002
DCSLOG PM
Andres R. Narvas, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines,
Padre Faure, Manila, Philippines. Fax : + 63 2 522 3211 - Telegrams :
Chief Justice Narvasa, Manila, Philippines
Teofisto T. Guingona, Secretary of Justice, Department of Justice,
Padre Faure Street, Ermita, Metro Manila, Philippines. Fax : + 63 2
521 1614 - Telegram : Secretary of Justice Guingona, Manil,
Philippines
Geneva, 11 August 1997
Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this
appeal in your reply
Ben Schonveld
Projects Manager
OMCT-SOS-Torture
Fax 4122 733 1051
Ph 4122 733 3140
OMCT is: l'Organisation Mondiale contre la Torture
The World Organisation Against Torture
