UP Community, colleagues demand immediate release of abducted of UP studes

University Student Council
University of the Philippines – Diliman
Room 204, Vinzons Hall, UP Diliman
9818500 local 4521
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30 June 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reference Person:
Juan Paolo Alfonso (paolopraxis at yahoo.com.ph)
Chairperson, UP Diliman University Student Council


WHAT: PressCon of UP community demanding immediate release of two abducted UP students

WHEN: June 30, 2006; 10;30am

WHERE: Palma Hall (AS) Steps


UP Community, colleagues demand immediate release of abducted of UP studes
Convict military, Arroyo for damages


The UP Diliman University Student Council (USC) slammed today the recent abduction of two UP students in Bulacan.

Last June 26, Ms. Karen Empeño, Ms. Sherlyn Cadapan and Mr. Manuel Merino were harassed and abducted by armed men in Brgy. San Miguel, Hagonoy, Bulacan.

Sherlyn, who was currently pregnant, is an award-winning triathlete from the College of Human Kinetics (CHK). She was her college's representative to the University Student Council, and was also a community organizer of Anakbayan.

Karen Empeño, meanwhile, is a Sociology student of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, and is also a member of the League of Filipino Students.

Both went to Central Luzon to research on the farmers' situation in the region

According to community reports, 6 armed men masked with black bonnets forced the three out of the house they were residing. Manuel was bound while Karen and Sherlyn were forcibly brought out.
Up to now, the three are still missing.
"There is no questioning on our demand for their immediate release,' said Juan Paolo Alfonso, UPD USC Chairperson.
"We hold the military and the Arroyo regime responsible for this inhuman and unjust abduction, and liable for any further damage that will happen to them," Alfonso slammed the recent denial of Central Luzon's military chief regarding this incident.
He also recounted the several cases of killings and human rights violations in Central Luzon, especially since this has been a haven of Arroyo's favorite butcher, Major General Jovito Palparan.
"Arroyo's all-out war spares no one in her helpless attempt to quash the opposition. But we will spare no time and effort to make sure that she pays hell."
"We call on every UP student to stand firm in our principles and action's against this regime. It was distressed by the recent moves of oppositions in this university. And it has definitely placed us in its quash list. But we will never be intimidated."