In a stunning legal blow to senior law enforcement, the Court of Appeals has ruled that several high-ranking Philippine National Police (PNP) officers — including former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief PBGen. Nicolas D. Torre III — are “responsible and accountable” for the disappearance of Bicol activist Felix Balonso Salaveria.
The ruling, handed down by the CA’s Former Thirteenth Division on July 21, 2025, declared the officers liable for their “failure to exercise extraordinary diligence” in investigating Salaveria’s enforced disappearance — a lapse the court described as a clear violation of the activist’s rights.
Among those named in the blistering 62-page decision are Regional Director PBGen. Andre Perez Dizon, Albay Police Provincial Director PCol. Julius C. Añonuevo, and PLtCol. Edmundo A. Cerillo Jr. of the Tabaco City Police Station.
The court found that the officers — either directly or through those under their command — exhibited a “lack of urgency and seriousness” in their handling of the case, including in gathering evidence, identifying suspects, and pursuing leads.
“These officers are declared responsible and accountable in the enforced disappearance of Felix Balonso Salaveria for failing to exercise extraordinary diligence,” the ruling stated.
The petition, filed by Felicia Selina Ferrer and Gabreyel Ferrer — Salaveria’s relatives — was granted by the appellate court, which also issued Writs of Amparo and Habeas Data in their favor.
The writs provide legal protection to individuals whose life, liberty, or security is threatened, particularly in cases involving extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances — a grim hallmark of the country’s long-running issues with activist safety.
Meanwhile, the court dropped former PNP Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. from the list of respondents, citing insufficient evidence of their direct or indirect involvement.
However, for the rest of the respondents, the ruling is unequivocal: they must preserve and submit all evidence, including documents, records, and communications related to the case — a move likely to reignite national debate on police accountability in the Philippines.
Human rights groups hailed the decision as a “rare victory for justice,” saying it could set a precedent for other unresolved cases of enforced disappearances linked to state forces.
Felix Balonso Salaveria was last seen in Albay in 2022, according to his family. Despite repeated inquiries and public pressure, authorities have failed to determine his whereabouts or file charges against any suspects.
This landmark ruling may finally break the silence — and force the police to answer questions long left in the shadows.
