EXTERNAL (for general distribution) AI Index: ASA 35/12/93 Distr: UA/SC

UA 227/93 Fear of "disappearance" 12 July 1993

PHILIPPINES: Robin Trosing, 26 years Diorito Trosing, 21 years

Amnesty International is concerned for the safety of Robin and Diorito Trosing, who have "disappeared" after being taken for questioning by military officials and members of an official militia group on 31 May 1993 in Palapag town, Northern Samar.

The two men, both farmers, were reportedly arrested by members of the 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the (PA) and of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Group (CAFGU). The two were apparently informed by the soldiers that a military captain within the 19th IB PA had something important to discuss with them.

After the arrest, relatives of the Trosings and local government officials went to see the military Captain and were assured by him that the two would be returned home soon. However, the next day relatives were informed that the two detainees were no longer in the same place and had been accused of being supporters of the New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the (CPP). Soldiers subsequently claimed that the two had escaped from detention, but neither has been seen since and their fate and whereabouts remain unknown.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Amnesty International documented the "disappearance" of at least 16 people in 1992, and a further ten people are reported to have "disappeared" since the beginning of 1993. Of these 26, the dead bodies of five were subsequently recovered. "Disappearance", unlawful killing and other human rights violations have occurred against a background of armed conflict between government and government-backed forces and the NPA. Victims of "disappearance", incommunicado detention and extrajudicial killing have come from all walks of life. They have included rural people living in regions of conflict, members of tribal communities, social and community workers, members of lawful political organizations, church workers, trade unionists and human rights advocates.

Although many of those who "disappear" in the Philippines are presumed to have been killed in detention, it does sometimes happen that those who "disappeared" after abduction by military or military-backed forces are traced alive in custody, sometimes months after the victim was abducted by members of military or military-backed forces.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/express and airmail letters either in English or in your own language:

- expressing concern for the safety of Robin and Diosito Trosing, who "disappeared" on 31 May 1993, after being taken for questioning by soldiers from the 19th IB and CAFGU members from sitio Mogus, barangay Nagbubtak, Palapag town, Northern Samar; - urging the authorities to act immediately to clarify their fate and whereabouts; - calling for an immediate and impartial investigation into this case and asking to be informed of the progress of any such investigation; - reiterating calls by Amnesty International for the government to take immediate steps to dismantle the CAFGU.

Page 2 of UA 227/93 APPEALS TO

1) Lt Col Ricardo Valuis Commanding Officer 19th Infantry Brigade Brgy Rawin Laoang Northern Samar Philippines Telegrams: Lt Col Valuis, 19th Infantry Brigade, Laoang, Northern Samar, Philippines

Salutation: Dear Lt Col Valuis

2/ General Lisandro Abadia Commander Armed Forces of the Philippines Camp Aguinaldo Philippines Telegrams: General Abadia, Camp Aguinaldo, MM, Philippines

Salutation: Dear General Abadia

3/ President Fidel V Ramos Malacañang Palace , Philippines Telegrams: President Ramos, Manila, Philippines

Salutation: Dear President Ramos

COPIES OF YOUR APPEALS TO:

Sedfrey Ordoñez Chairman Commission on Human Rights IBP Building Doña Julia Vargas Avenue , Manila Philippines and to diplomatic representatives of the Philippines accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat,

or your section office, if sending appeals after 23 August 1993.