BY THE ALL UP ACADEMIC EMPLOYEES UNION-BAGUIO CHAPTER
ALL UP ACADEMIC EMPLOYEES UNION NATIONAL
DEMOCRATIC SPACE

2008 is the Centennial Year of the University of the Philippines. Since January, the entire University System has been celebrating. In fact, in UP Baguio, one of the culminating activities is a Grand Alumni Homecoming on December 5, 2008. But Alas! The preparations to turn this activity into a memorable, major celebration is threatened. One of the University of the Philippines Baguio’s harvests of intelligent minds, of true Iskolars ng Bayan who take to task genuine service to the people, is missing.

James Balao graduated in1981 with a degree in B.S. Psychology. As a student, he served as editor-in-chief of the official student paper, Outcrop. After graduation, James involved himself in research and writing projects for both academic and non-government organizations. One of his major research outputs has to do with “The Land Problem of the Cordillera National Minorities.”

No one could just disappear in thin air. James could not disappear voluntarily without informing his family and friends. James loves life. In fact, he has been an advocate of the defense of life and land of the Cordillera peoples, for the protection of his people from oppression and exploitation. James could have only disappeared involuntarily, forcibly.

CONGRESS LOBBY. The Balao siblings (left) asked Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño some assistance for their brother’s enforced disappearance case. (Photo by Cye Reyes/NORDIS)

The UP community appeals to the highest authorities of the Philippines to find the whereabouts of James and send clear signs of the Government’s adherence to justice by surfacing him immediately. If any state agency suspects him of any violations of the laws of the Philippines, James must be allowed to defend himself. The law enforcers must adhere to due process.

We also appeal to all concerned individuals and organizations to sign the on line petition at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/CPAjamesbalao/. You may also forward letters of solidarity to the Balao family through and through the Cordillera Human Rights Association email address (chra@cpaphils.org)

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