CA issues amparo, habeas data in Salaveria disappearance case

The Court of Appeals has issued writs of amparo and habeas data in favor of Felix Salaveria Jr.'s family, who reported his enforced disappearance on August 28, 2024.

The ruling highlights inadequate investigation by authorities and holds Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre III and other police officials responsible for the enforced disappearance due to lack of diligence.

The court directed the PNP and the National Police Commission to conduct a thorough investigation and provide evidence to the Commission on Human Rights upon request, while the CHR will also carry out a parallel probe.

Lawyers from La Viña Zarate & Associates stated that this ruling marks a significant victory for Salaveria's family and human rights defenders, expressing hope for his return if respondents comply fully with the court orders.

The case is part of an ongoing trend of enforced disappearances under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, with Karapatan calling for immediate action on similar cases and oversight hearings to address root causes.