April 17, 2018
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines vigorously condemns the forcible disappearance of NDFP Consultant Lora T. Manipis and her husband Jeruel B. Domingo.
At the time of their disappearance on February 24, 2018, they were arranging for activities related to the peace process between the Duterte government and the NDFP. They were also holding dialogues with indigenous people and peasants who have been adversely affected by the large-scale open pit mining operations in Tampakan, South Cotabato and surrounding areas.
Duterte regime’s fascist forces have been putting pressure on the family of NDFP Consultant Lora T. Manipis for two years. Intelligence agents of the regime have subjected the house of Lora T. Manipis’ family to intense surveillance. These agents interrogated her daughter several months ago while she was in school.
The forcible disappearance of NDFP Consultant Lora T. Manipis and her busband, Jeruel B. Domingo and the harassment of their daughter and family are flagrant violations of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), which the Duterte regime has solemnly reaffirmed as effective and binding peace agreements. which must be respected and implemented.
The NDFP therefore demands that the Duterte regime immediately surface NDFP Consultant Lora T. Manipis and her husband Jeruel B. Domingo! The NDFP also reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditioanl release of NDFP Consultant Rafael Baylosis, who has been illegally arrested, detained and falsely charged with trumped up criminal offenses.
NDFP Consultants Lora T. Manipis and Rafael Baylosis are needed for consultations on Social and Economic Reforms and Political and Constitutional Reforms, necessary substantive agenda of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations.
LUIS G. JALANDONI
Member, National Executive Committee
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
