MANILA, Philippines — Police are eyeing members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in the disappearance of two activists in Tabaco, Albay.
Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, Bicol police director, said Felix Salaveria Jr. and James Jazmines could be victims of internal purging of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Dizon lamented that police and the military are always blamed every time an activist disappears.
Salaveria is the founder of the Recycling Advocates while Jazmines is a brother of a consultant of the National Democratic Front, the political wing of the CPP.
Dizon cited reports that the CPP-NPA purged members suspected of being state informants.
Salaveria was seized by unidentified men on Aug. 28 while Jazmines was reported missing on Aug. 23.
Dizon made the statement after rights group Karapatan criticized President Marcos for being silent on the disappearance of activists.
Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said there were signs that state forces were involved in the disappearance of Salaveria and Jazmines.