CA Grants Writs of Amparo to Activist’s Daughters
MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals (CA) has granted the writs of amparo and habeas data to the daughters of Felix Salaveria Jr., a missing activist. This legal protection aims to safeguard their rights amid concerns over his disappearance.
The CA also directed the National Police Commission and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to carry out a serious, effective, and thorough investigation into Salaveria’s enforced disappearance, which reportedly involved unidentified law enforcement agents. The court highlighted the urgency of the case given the ongoing threat to the activist’s safety.
Accountability Ordered for Police Officials
The Former 13th Division of the CA held PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, the former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director, and four other police officers responsible for failing to exercise extraordinary diligence in investigating Salaveria’s case. The court cited their lack of prompt action as a significant lapse that has hindered justice.
“Evidently, the lack of a prompt and thorough official inquiry into the allegations made by petitioners indicate a laxity of the required diligence on the part of respondents,” the CA stated in its July 21 ruling, authored by Associate Justice Mary Josephine Lazaro.
The court emphasized that the incomplete investigations by police and military forces have continuously jeopardized Felix’s right to security and delayed holding the perpetrators accountable.
Understanding the Writs of Amparo and Habeas Data
The writ of amparo is a legal recourse designed to protect individuals whose right to life, liberty, or security is violated or threatened by unlawful acts of public officials or private entities. It mainly addresses cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
On the other hand, the writ of habeas data safeguards individuals against unlawful collection or storage of personal data by authorities or private bodies. It covers sensitive information related to a person’s family, home, or communications.
Details of Felix Salaveria’s Disappearance
Salaveria was abducted in broad daylight on August 28, 2024, at 66 years old. CCTV footage showed unknown agents forcing him into a gray van in Barangay Cobo, Tabaco City, Albay. His daughters, Felicia and Gabreyel Ferrer, sought legal remedy through the Supreme Court, which later referred the case to the CA for a summary hearing.
In January 2025, the CA issued the writs after a meticulous review of evidence revealed that the respondents failed to show extraordinary diligence in investigating the disappearance.
Officials Held Accountable
The CA also named Police Brigadier General Andre Perez Dizon, Police Colonel Julius Añonuevo, Police Colonel Ivy Castillo, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Edmundo Cerillo Jr. as accountable for lapses in the investigation. They were ordered to preserve all evidence for use by the Commission on Human Rights and other bodies during the ongoing probe.
Notably, former PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner were dropped as respondents due to their lack of involvement.
Family’s Fight for Justice Continues
Ben Galil Te, co-counsel for Salaveria’s daughters, described the CA ruling as a major step forward. “Hopefully, if the respondents comply fully, this could lead to the surfacing of Felix,” he said.
However, he stressed that the struggle is far from over. “Even as the State continues to evade responsibility and hide the truth, our clients are determined to pursue justice — not only to surface Felix but to hold all those involved accountable, even those in the highest levels of government,” he added.
For more news and updates on activist disappearances, visit Filipinokami.com.
