My son, Jonas, is still
missing as so many others are. He was forcibly abducted during the Gloria
Arroyo administration, and until now we have yet to get a categorical statement
from authorities on the fate of my son. And my family had admittedly become vocal
in our plea that military produce my Jonas.
To call this propaganda
and to label it leftist is the height of insensitivity to a mother who continues
to search for his missing son. I stand before the Lord, who is truth Himself,
in witness of this truth.
Now, when you are looking
for a missing loved one, is it justified to label you as leftist? Unless the
definition has been changed, I would not subscribe to what has been officially
said by Malacanang. To seek justice and to right a wrong
done to families who have been victims of enforced disappearances, will that be
considered a leftist act?
Incidentally, a few days
ago, President Aquino approved the promotion of several military generals.
Among them was Col. Eduardo Año who was promoted to Brigadier General.
Col. Año is one of the
respondents in the criminal case we filed with the Department of Justice for
the abduction of my son. After one year, the case is still under preliminary
investigation.
Today, I fear that the
message relayed in such blatant act by authorities can be a justification for
human rights violators to continue their abuses.
Edita Burgos
