Case PHL 010709/ PHL 010709.CC
URGENT CAMPAIGNS/ CHILD CONCERN
Enforced disappearance/ Alleged torture and ill-treatment/ Fear for safety/ Fear of impunity
The International Secretariat of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) requests your URGENT intervention in the following situation in the Philippines.
The International Secretariat of OMCT has been informed by the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), a member of OMCT SOS-Torture Network, about the enforced disappearance of Mr. Chickie Mantukay, 16 years old, since 18 April 2009, and the torture and other forms of ill-treatment of Mr. Musa Delmo Pasage, a 20-year-old fisherman, both resident of Barangay Liyab, Mamasapano, in Maguindanao Province, by alleged members of the 64th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (IBPA).
According to the information received, on 18 April 2009, at about 3:00pm, Mr. Chickie Mantukay and Mr. Musa Delmo Pasage were heading to the boundary of Barangay Liyab and Barangay Libutan, Mamasapano, in order to get Mr. Delmo Passage’s cow, when they encountered a group of soldiers headed by Lt. Harris Malang of the 64th IBPA. Both were reportedly immediately arrested without being provided with any reasons.
While Mr. Musa Delmo Passage reportedly later managed to escape, the whereabouts of Mr. Chickie Mantukay have since then remained unknown.
According to the same information, Mr. Musa Delmo Pasage, whose head was wrapped in cellophane, was severely beaten all over his body and his penis struck three times with a tire wire, during the detention. The soldiers reportedly told both of them that they would be beheaded.
The International Secretariat of OMCT is gravely concerned for the safety of Mr. Chickie Mantukay, as his whereabouts remain unknown, raising fears that he may be subjected to torture, other ill-treatment and/or extra-judicial killing. OMCT recalls that Mr. Chickie Mantukay is 16 years old and is legally a child both under international and national law and should be treated accordingly.
OMCT is also preoccupied for the safety of Mr. Musa Delmo Pasage who has been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment during his detention.
OMCT urges the Philippines authorities to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of Mr. Chickie Mantukay and Mr. Musa Delmo Pasage at all times in accordance with international human rights law, in particular the provisions of the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and to take all necessary measures to immediately locate the whereabouts of Mr. Chickie Mantukay.
OMCT recalls that in line with their obligations under these treaties, it is incumbent on the relevant Philippines authorities to consider seriously any allegations of torture and ill-treatment, and to undertake a prompt, effective, thorough, independent and impartial investigation in this regard, the result of which must be made public.
Please write to the authorities in the Philippines urging them to:
Please also write to the embassies of the Philippines in your respective country.
Geneva, 01 July 2009
Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this appeal in your reply.
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