CA grants amparo, habeas data to missing activist's daughters

The Court of Appeals (CA) has granted the daughters of missing Bicol activist Felix Salaveria Jr. the privileges of the writs of amparo and habeas data.

Salaveria was reportedly seized by agents of the law last year in Tabaco City, Albay on August 28, 2024.

In a ruling dated July 21, the CA held former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director, now Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and four other PNP officers responsible for Salaveria's disappearance.

The appellate court stated that authorities failed to exercise due diligence in investigating the case.

The CA ordered the PNP and the National Police Commission to conduct a "serious, effective and thorough" investigation into the case.

The court emphasized that the lack of a prompt and thorough official inquiry demonstrates laxity on the part of the respondents and that Salaveria's security remains jeopardized by the deficient investigation.