ABDUCTION OF JONAS BURGOS UNJUSTIFIED
DESPITE ALLEGED COMMUNIST LINKS -- PIMENTEL

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. (PDP-Laban) today said the abduction of agriculturist and political activist Jonas Burgos allegedly by military intelligence agents could by no means be justified despite the claim by the Armed Forces of the Philippines that he is an alleged member of the New People's Army.

"Assuming it is true, his abduction supposedly by elements of the armed forces and his subsequent disappearance are unjustified," Pimentel said.

The minority leader called on the top brass of the AFP to show forthrightness and sincerity in the investigation of the Jonas Burgos case in the face of suspicion that they are trying to cover up the military's involvement in his abduction.

"It is incumbent upon those responsible to produce his person before the court and charge him accordingly," Pimentel said.

"By doing so, the rule of law is upheld and much of the unnecessary anguish of his mother and relatives would be assuaged."