UPM alumna still missing after alleged abduction by state forces
by Benedict Ballaran & James Sablay
Andy Magno, a University of the Philippines Manila alumnus and former youth activist, remains missing after being abducted by suspected state forces in San Pablo, Isabela, on Sept. 11.
Along with Magno was Vladimir Maro, a peasant organizer and youth advocate for migrant workers’ rights. According to a report by KARAPATAN-Cagayan Valley, Maro is currently in the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Peñablanca, Cagayan.
Maro is facing charges including two counts of attempted murder and a violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Magno is a Development Studies graduate and a former chairperson of Minggan-UP Manila, a youth environment organization in the University. She also served as a coordinator for Kabataan Partylist-Cagayan Valley.
“Tahasang kinukundena ng Development Studies Society (DevSoc) ang pagdakip sa mga aktibista at organisador na naghahangad lamang ng makatao at makamasang lipunan,” Development Studies Society said in a statement.
“Ang patuloy na pandarahas sa mga progresibong grupo at indibidwal ay nagmula pa sa panahon ng diktaduryang Marcos, kung saan halos 2,000 kaso ng mga dinakip ang naitala,” the organization added.
Migrant rights groups likewise condemned the attacks on organizers and activists calling for “accountability on the abuse of state forces.”
This marks the 16th case of enforced disappearances recorded during the Marcos Jr. administration.
