Today marks the third anniversary of the enforced disappearance of activists and UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño. Exactly three years ago, two college students doing research for their undergraduate thesis in the countryside of Bulacan were forcibly abducted, and, says the farmer who was with them and escaped, raped and tortured. The calls to surface them have been loud and unfailing, but public indignation seems to be, at times, nonnexistent. I've always thought that impunity and abuse of power can only succeed and lay claim to so many brilliant lives if the people permitted. And so far - numerous writs, court orders, and findings by a UN body and the state's very own Melo Commission after - the people have permitted.

For why else, could such persist?

*Pasintabi kay Mini U. Soriano