Case PHL 191207
Abduction/ Alleged torture
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 Alliance for the Advancement of Peoples’ Rights (KARAPATAN), a member of the OMCT SOS-Torture network, about the abduction and alleged torture of Mr. Renante Rumagos, 32-year-old farmer and resident of Purok 4, Brgy. Casoon, Monkayo in Compostela Valley, on 12 December 2007, by alleged elements of the Scout Rangers, in Purok 4.
According to the information received, on 12 December 2007, at around 7:00 am, Mr. Renante Rumagos was walking towards his farm to make charcoal and harvest bananas, when he was reportedly called by alleged members of the Scout Rangers who were concealing themselves in an elevated area. As Mr. Renante Rumagos approached, one of the soldiers reportedly blindfolded him and covered his mouth. He had also reportedly his hands tied up behind his back.
According to the same information, Mr. Renante Rumagos was then taken to an unknown place where he was reportedly wrapped with a plastic around his head. On the fourth day, he was reportedly stabbed and then thrown at an unknown location. Mr. Renante Rumagos managed to get up and found someone to help him. He was subsequently brought to the Davao Regional Hospital on 16 December 2007, where he is reportedly still undergoing treatment for the injuries sustained.
The International Secretariat of OMCT is gravely concerned about the abduction and alleged torture of Mr. Renante Rumagos by elements of the Scouts Rangers. OMCT calls on the authorities to order a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances of this abduction and alleged torture, in order to identify those responsible, bring them to trial and apply the penal and/or administrative sanctions as provided by law.
Please right to the authorities in the Philippines urging them to:
Please also write to the embassies of the Philippines in your respective country.
Geneva, 19 December 2007
Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this appeal in your reply.