Last Seen:

July 31, 1987

National Capital Region
Armando Portajada, factory worker and president of the Coca-Cola Workers Union and a member of the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).

On July 31, 1987, Armando left his home at 10:00 in the morning and went to the warehouse of Coca-Cola Philippines to talk to union members about their grievances with the company. Between 11:30 and 12:00 noon, he was sitting inside a canteen with 10 union members when two cars arrived; one was described as a blue Toyota Corona with plate number PFL-405, and another was a dark blue Mitsubishi Lancer with plate number NMX-906.

Inside were eight unidentified armed men; two men went to the group holding a meeting and aiming their weapons and told them not to move. One of the armed men was holding a picture in his hand and looked at everyone; when he was looking at Armando, he said, 'It's him,' and pulled Armando from his chair and handcuffed him. He was hauled inside the blue Toyota Corona, and the armed men sped away in the direction of Manila.

Ligaya Portajada, wife of Armando, was informed of the incident and immediately searched for him; she first went to the place of the incident and asked around what happened. She then went to the headquarters of the Southern Police District and reported the abduction. She searched for Armando in different police stations and military camps. When she heard news about victims of extrajudicial killing, she went to hospital morgues and funeral houses to have a look to see if it was Armando.

Armando remains disappeared.

details about their circumstances.