A peasant youth organizer was abducted on September 28, while consulting with farmers about land reform in Calamba, Laguna.
Fhobie Matias, an organizer for the Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (KASAMA - TK), was nabbed while conducting a program for local farmers who have been victims of land-grabbing, and harassment by state forces, KASAMA-TK reported.
Matias’ family alleged that the organizer is currently in an unidentified camp of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. They said they were able to receive a message from her on the same day of her abduction, but had no contact with her since.
“Pasismo ang tugon ng estado imbes na tugunan ang hinaing ng mga magsasaka sa Timog Katagalugan para sa Timog Katagalugan,” KASAMA-TK said in a statement.
The disappearance is the 18th active forced disappearance case under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term and only over two weeks since peasant organizers Andy Magno and Vladimir Maro’s enforced disappearance on September 11.
Matias’ abduction also marks the escalating militarization in Southern Tagalog, with groups noting the presence of state forces in Lupang Ramos and Lupang Tartaria, Cavite—areas marked by long-standing agrarian disputes.
“Nananawagan ang KASAMA-TK na kagyat na mailitaw si Fhobie Matias, saksi ang kasaysayan sa napakaruming track record ng mga militar sa paglabag sa karapatang pantao, pandurukot, pagpatay at tortyur,” the group said. ●
