EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: ASA 35/12/91

Distr: UA/SC

28 February 1991

Further information on UA 273/90 (ASA 35/20/90, 2 July 1990) and follow-up (ASA 35/29/90, 18 December 1990) - "Disappearance"

PHILIPPINES:Amelia TENA, aged 22, member of youth organization

Amnesty International has learned that Amelia Tena, who "disappeared" nine months ago following her abduction by members of the armed forces, was released on 24 February 1991. She was released from custody by the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

Amelia Tena was abducted on 26 May 1990 by armed men believed to be members of the ISAFP. An eyewitness was able to identify two of the men by name but subsequently went into hiding for fear of reprisals by military forces. Until just prior to the release, military officials in the area of Laguna province - where Amelia Tena was originally detained - have consistently denied that she was held in military custody.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Telexes/Faxes/express and airmail letters:

- welcoming the release of Amelia Tena;

- expressing concern that after being "disappeared" for nine months Amelia Tena was found to be in the custody of members of the security forces in spite of repeated denials that she had been detained;

- urging the government to conduct a prompt and impartial inquiry into this case, and to ensure that those alleged to be responsible for the "disappearance" of Amelia Tena are tried before a civil court.

- asking to be kept informed of the progress of the investigation, and the outcome of any judicial proceedings.

- expressing concern that witnesses to the abduction reportedly went into hiding for fear of military reprisals; urging the government to take steps to protect witnesses seeking to testify to human rights violations.

APPEALS TO:

President Corazon Aquino

Malacañang Palace

Manila, Philippines

Telexes: 40414 MALCOM PN, 45618 RMC PM,

63370 PRES PN or 82361 PRES PU

Faxes: + 63 2 832 3793 (via Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

+ 63 2 731 1325 (via Press Secretary to the President)

General Fidel V. Ramos

Secretary of National Defense

Department of National Defense

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo

Quezon City

Metro Manila, Philippines

Telexes: 22471 DND PH or 42004 DCSLOG PM

Faxes: + 63 2 721 3988

Col. Carlos Tanega

Chief, Intelligence Service

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo

1110 Quezon City, Philippines

Franklin M Drilon

Secretary of Justice

Chairman, Presidential Human Rights

Committee

c/o Department of Justice

Padre Faura

Manila, Philippines

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat or your section office if sending appeals after 11 April 1991.