Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 7 was ordered to identify the abductors of development workers Dyan Gumanao and Armand Dayoha, who allegedly introduced themselves as members of the PNP.
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“PRO 7 assures transparency in the investigation and we shall immediately update the parties once we secure developments on this case,” PNP Region 7 said in a statement.
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According to human rights group Karapatan, Gumanao and Dayoha were abducted at the Cebu Port on Jan. 10.
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Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay told CNN Philippines that Gumano and Dayoha’s families went to the police station on Jan. 13 and 14 to seek help from the authorities, but no updates were given.
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Palabay said Gumanao asked her sibling via Messenger on the night of Jan. 15 to pick them up at a hotel in Carmen, Cebu. It was the first time Gumanao and Dayoha were contacted since Jan. 10.
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The next day, they were picked up by their families, who were accompanied by some members of the Karapatan regional chapter, human rights lawyers and personnel of UP Cebu.
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However, several progressive groups demanded accountability for the alleged abduction.
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Karapatan also confirmed that Gumanao was the one who told her father that the abductors introduced themselves as members of the PNP.
Meanwhile, PNP Region 7 assured a “deep, thorough and impartial” investigation following PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin’s orders.
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They also urged Gumanao and Dayoha to cooperate in the investigation.
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“Their [Gumanao and Dayoha’s] presence will fast-track the investigation and their blow-by-blow account of what transpired will shed light in determining the perpetrators,” PNP Region 7 said.
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Palabay said they have not received any update or report from the police regarding the investigation as of Jan. 18.
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Gumanao is currently the Alliance of Concerned Teachers coordinator for Cebu, while Dayoha is a volunteer in the Alliance of Health Workers.
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They are now with their families and are seeking medical and psychosocial support, according to Palabay.
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She added that they will gather facts for documentation once Gumanao and Dayoha are ready to recount their ordeal.
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*CNN Philippines Correspondent Chrissy Dimatulac contributed to this report
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