In a statement released to media outfits Tuesday, Estrada said he “share(d) in Mrs. Edita Burgos’ and all the other people’s very touching celebration of Jonas’ 38th birthday last March 29.”

The young Burgos, an agriculturist working with militant farmer groups on efficient farming methods, was abducted by unidentified men believed to be military officers from a mall in Quezon City on April 28, 2007.

His mother has sought the help of government and military officials. She has also asked the help of foreign governments, including the United States and the European Union, for political pressure on the Arroyo administration so that her missing son might resurface.

“I empathize with Mrs. Edita on her sufferings, and I admire her for her strength during this ordeal,” Estrada said.

He also shares the Burgoses’ belief that the military is behind the abduction, not the insurgency group that the military has been pointing to as suspect in the young Burgos’ disappearance.

Senator Estrada noted that much information has pointed to the military as being behind the young Burgos’ disappearance. He called for a public inquiry into the case, allegedly perpetrated by agents of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

“We must all the more persevere in finding Jonas and all the other missing activists believed to have been abducted by elements of the military,” he said.

Estrada also called for plugging the loopholes in legislations involving the protection of human rights. He has pending bills proposing heavy penalties for acts of torture and involuntary disappearance of persons, and another seeking the establishment of a Philippine Commission on Missing Persons.

At the same time, Estrada questioned the Arroyo administration for its failure and refusal to sign the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances so that it could be endorsed to the Senate for ratification.

Mrs. Burgos, together with other family members, relatives, friends, and supporters held a Mass for the missing activist at the OCDS (Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites) House of Prayer in Quezon City on Saturday on the occasion of the missing activist’s birthday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080401-127643/Senator-Estrada-joins-search-for-missing-activist-Burgos