Morada v. Rias

Summary

Fe Morada filed a petition for writ of amparo claiming enforced disappearance of her son Johnson, who was arrested by barangay officials for theft but subsequently disappeared. The RTC denied the petition, finding insufficient evidence of enforced disappearance. The Supreme Court affirmed, ruling that while Johnson was indeed arrested by state agents, the third and fourth elements of enforced disappearance were not established. The barangay officials provided documentary evidence showing Johnson's release and cooperated with inquiries, negating any refusal to acknowledge or provide information about his whereabouts. The Court emphasized that substantial evidence requires more than rumors and speculation, and that liberality in amparo cases does not excuse petitioners from proving their claims with adequate evidence.