SURFACE JAMES NOW!
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 theatened.
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
in 1981 with the degree BS 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 had 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 people, for the protection of
his people from oppression and exploitation. James could have only
disappeared involuntarily, forcibly.
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.
ALL UP ACADEMIC UNION BAGUIO CHAPTER supported
by ALL UP ACADEMIC UNION NATIONAL
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