THE Philippine National Police (PNP) vehemently denied on Sunday, July 16, 2023, any involvement in the disappearance of two activists who were former students of the University of the Philippines (UP)-Baguio.
In a statement, the PNP said various units of the PNP have earlier issued certifications stating that Dexter Capuyan, 56, and Jamil de Jesus, 27, were not within their custody nor can be found in any of their facilities.
“In fact, when the two were first reported missing, the PNP immediately exerted diligent effort to locate the whereabouts of these missing individuals in faithful compliance with our duty to serve and protect the people,” the PNP said.
“Until today, they remain listed as missing persons and subject to follow-up searches through backtracking from the time they were last seen,” it added.
In a resolution dated July 10, the Court of Appeals has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP to present Capuyan and De Jesus on July 14.
The PNP said it will file its return of the writ on July 18.
"Again, the PNP denies participation and responsibility with regard to the allegation in the petition and we are confident that the subsequent hearings set on August 3 and 10 will shed more light on the matter and will finally be ruled in favor of the PNP,” it said.
“Rest assured that the PNP will continue to perform its mandate in accordance with the rule of law and respect for human rights," it added.
Capuyan, a resident of La Trinidad and De Jesus from Bulacan reportedly went missing in Taytay, Rizal on April 28.
They were allegedly taken by several men who introduced themselves as members of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The CIDG already denied the allegations. (SunStar Philippines)