Still looking for Jonas Burgos

My son Jonas is still missing, as so many others are. He was forcibly abducted during the Arroyo administration, and until now we have yet to get a categorical statement from the authorities on his fate. And my family has admittedly become vocal in our plea that the military “produce” my Jonas.

To call this propaganda, to label it leftist, is the height of insensitivity to a mother who continues to search for her missing son. I stand before the Lord, who is truth Himself, in witness of this truth.

Now, when you are looking for a missing loved one, is it justified to label you a leftist? Unless the definition has been changed, I would not subscribe to what has been officially said by Malacañang. To seek justice and to right a wrong done to families who have been victims of enforced disappearances, will that be considered a leftist act?

Incidentally, some time ago, President Aquino approved the promotion of several military generals. Among them was Colonel Eduardo Año, who was promoted to brigadier general.

Colonel Año is one of the respondents in the criminal case we filed with the Department of Justice for the abduction of my son. After one year, the case is still under preliminary investigation.

Today, I fear that the message relayed by this promotion is a justification and a signal for human rights violators to continue their abuses.

With Malacañang’s tough branding of human rights violations as leftist propaganda, are the authorities now saying that I will never see my son again?—EDITA BURGOS