Napolcom urged to probe activists' missing phones after rally

The progressive organization submitted a formal request to Napolcom this week, seeking assistance in tracking down the missing phones of the two activists. According to the group, the devices vanished during a rally related to martial law, with one unit reportedly detected at Camp Crame in Quezon City before a signal was picked up in the Greenhills commercial district in San Juan City.

The request underscores growing concerns among civil society organizations regarding the security of participants during public demonstrations and commemorative events. The incident has prompted calls for authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and the apparent movement of the stolen devices.

Napolcom, the oversight body responsible for monitoring the Philippine National Police, has been positioned as the appropriate agency to conduct the investigation given the allegations' sensitivity and the involvement of law enforcement facilities. The commission's role in addressing complaints against police personnel and investigating irregular conduct makes it the logical recipient of the complaint.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between activist groups and law enforcement, particularly during events commemorating the martial law period, a sensitive historical topic in the Philippines. Authorities have not yet issued a public statement regarding the investigation or the status of the missing devices.