On the eve of July 9 in Antipolo City, state forces abducted and has yet to surface peasant leader Melchor Luyao, a member of the Katipunan ng Samahang Magbubukid (Kasama)-Rizal. Human rights groups are currently investigating where state forces are keeping Luyao and what military or police unit abducted him. Friends and family could no longer contact his cell phone number.

Luyao, known as Dodong Bagsak, was the Rizal farmers’ ardent colleague in the struggle for land reform and agrarian rights. In October 2023, Luyao endured threats and harassment from state forces.

In March, someone who identified himself as “Francis” sought out Luyao and asked the community about his role as a peasant organizer. He even brought Luyao’s photos and showed them to the residents. Residents suspect “Francis” of being a state agent because his actions were similar to that of NTF-Elcac personnel in the past.

Kasama-Rizal’s statement said that they uncovered cases of illegal possession of firearms and explosives filed against Luyao. These cases are usually used to harass and imprison peasant leaders and prevent their struggle for land.

On June 18, 80th IB soldiers and police raided and ransacked the house of Ronnie Manalo, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) general secretary and Tanggol Magsasaka spokesperson, in Barangay San Roque, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan. State forces forcibly entered Manalo’s house despite the absence of anyone there. The military and police claimed to have seized an M16 rifle, a shotgun, grenades, laptops, and subversive documents.

Meanwhile, Karapatan-Rizal called on the local government of Antipolo City to investigate the abduction of Luyao to expedite the search and hold the perpetrators accountable.