Still no word on missing Magsaysay awardee in Laos

MANILA, Philippines - There is still no news about the whereabouts of Magsaysay laureate and Laotian social activist Sombath Somphone, seven days after he was reported missing in Laos.  

Sombath was reportedly last seen when he was whisked away in a vehicle from a police station in Vientianne.

He was brought to the station earlier by policemen after he was stopped on his way home at 6 p.m.

Until recently, Sombath was director of the Participatory Development Training Center (PADETC) in Vientianne, which he founded in 1996 to promote education and leadership skills among the Laotian youth.

He is also involved in a small enterprise selling village handicrafts. 

His colleagues in the region describe him as a kind and gentle community worker who deeply loves his country and his people.

Sixty-one Thai non-governmental organizations have sent a letter to senior officials in Laos and embassies of foreign countries there saying they “look forward to hearing that all immediate and necessary efforts are made to search Sombath’s whereabouts and investigate the cause of his disappearance.”

More than 30 Ramon Magsaysay awardees, together with trustees, officers and staff of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, have also urged the government of the Lao PDR to investigate Sombath’s disappearance and to take all steps possible to ensure his safety and well-being.