Wednesday, October 08, 2008 Elders call for Balao's surfacing By Jane Cadalig
ELDERS in Benguet condemned the abduction of activist James Balao, saying his enforced disappearance contradicts the indigenous peoples' respect for peace.
In a resolution, the senior citizens condemned Balao's disappearance and asked for his immediate release from his captors.
"Enforced disappearance is contrary to the customs and traditions of the Benguet indigenous peoples who advocate peace," the elders' resolution stated.
The senior citizens acted as Provincial Board (PB) members on Tuesday pursuant to the Provincial Government's ordinance giving them a day to act as local officials.
In their resolution, the elders said Balao's disappearance is alarming "thereby curtailing and threatening democratic rights in the Philippines."
The resolution said Balao has reported regular surveillance to his family and the Cordillera Peoples' Alliance (CPA) since April, which heightened until his disappearance. He reportedly observed white and blue vans tailing him from his residence to his work.
"His enforced disappearance is probably the result of the continuing political persecution of activists and civilians critical of government," it added.
The CPA believes Balao, who disappeared September 17, was abducted by the Intelligence Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP). He is a member of the Kanakanaey and Ibaloi tribes and traces his roots in Atok.
The City Council recently passed a similar resolution condemning the activist's disappearance.
The CPA, to which Balao is a founding member, claimed he was abducted at Lower Tomay in La Trinidad, where has was last seen.
Search on police and military camps in Abra and Ilocos Sur, initiated by the CPA and the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance and Balao's family members last week proved futile.
