Families of 'desaparecidos' urge voters to choose those who respect human rights

The Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance marked Holy Wednesday — April 16, 2025 — with a gathering to reflect on the Seven Last Words of Jesus and their search for truth and justice for their disappeared loved ones. 

MANILA — The Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND) in the Philippines marked Holy Wednesday with a gathering to remember their disappeared loved ones, share stories of their search for truth and justice, and urge voters to elect leaders, who respect human rights.  

In their annual Kalbaryo ng Kawalan ng Katarungan, families reflected on the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ, recounting their experiences and the state of human rights in the country, including under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

They consider Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court custody an “answered prayer” but acknowledge that full justice has yet to come.

"Maging mapanuri nawa ang lahat ng may responsibilidad na pumili sa susunod nating mga lider at tiyaking wala nang mamumunong tagapaglabag ng karapatang pantao,” Jimson Getanis said in his reflection on the sixth of the Seven Last Words. 

(May all who have the repsonsibility to elect our next readers be critical and make sure that we will no longer have any leaders who violate human rights)

FIND Chairperson Celia Sevilla told ABS-CBN News that as Lent is an invitation for reflection, the group is also inviting voters to reflect on who they will be voting for in May.

“Hindi po natin dapat iluklok sa pwesto ang mga berdugo para hindi na maulit ‘yung naging madugong karanasan natin mula noon hanggang nitong nakaraan lang na adminstrasyon na nagpapatuloy pa rin sa kasalukuyan,” she said.

(We should not elect executioners so we will no longer repeat the bloody experiences of the past, including in the previous administration and that has continued to the present)

The dozens who attended the gathering also said they agree with the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte for trial before the International Court for the alleged crime of humanity of murder over his war on drugs.

The government has acknowledged more than 6,000 deaths in anti-narcotics operations during the Duterte administration.

“Yung ICC, ‘yun ang patas na husgado, dahil hindi nahahawakan ng pulitiko. Hindi siya nako-control,” Boyet Itucal said in explaining his vote.

(The ICC is a fair court because it is not controlled by politicians. It cannot be controlled)


According to Cecille Baello, whose partner disappeared in 2023, FIND continues to record cases of enforced disappearances even under the current administration.

“Currently, FIND has on record 45 cases of enforced disappearance mula nang maupo si Ferdinand Marcos Jr… Sa cases na ito mostly directed to activists and human rights defenders,” she said.

(FIND has recorded 45 cases of enforced disappearances since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. became president. Most of these cases are of activists and human rights defenders)