Elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the 31st IB abducted Gilberto Tolentino, a 50-year-old farmer, his wife Amelia, 47, their daughter Regine, 21, and their 2-year-old grandchild on April 17. State forces seized them in Barangay San Vicente, Donsol, Sorsogon, and their location remain unknown to relatives.

State forces reportedly targeted only Gilberto, but his wife and family refused to let him go alone, resulting in their collective abduction.

On April 18, the Tolentinos’ relatives and barangay officials trooped to the Donsol police station, as well as the military camp, in Barangay San Jose to locate the victims. Despite their insistence, police and military denied holding the family in custody.

Karapatan-Sorsogon condemned police and soldiers for this grave human rights violation. The group stated, “now that the entire nation mourns the sacrifices and death of Jesus, we stand with the sacrifices endured by Gilberto’s entire family at the hands of state agents who abducted and continue to hide them.”

The victims’ family and human rights organizations demand their immediate surfacing. They urged the Commission on Human Rights Bicol to urgently address the Tolentino family’s plight.