G.R. No. 265491 - Agonoy vs. Layugan

On June 3, 2022, PSMS Antonino A. Agonoy went for his annual physical examination at the Police Regional Office 2 in Tuguegarao City.
Later that day, he attended a meeting called by PMAJ Lorvinn A. Layugan, the Chief of Police of Cabatuan Police Station, held at a safehouse owned by Giovanie Guillermo.
PSMS Agonoy’s last known movements included a meeting with PMAJ Layugan, PSSg Anthony Aquino, PCpl Pat James Ada-ol, and PCl Marnix Baquiran, followed by a drinking session.
Agonoy then left to get "pulutan" from Marlon Pabro and allegedly left early due to tonsil ache, although this is disputed.

On June 4, 2022, PSMS Agonoy could not be contacted by his wife Verna, who presumed he was on field duty.
On June 5, 2022, inquiries at the Cabatuan Police Station yielded no information on his whereabouts.
The motorcycle of PSMS Agonoy was found abandoned at Cauayan City Sports Complex on June 6, with his cellular phone recovered from its compartment.
CCTV footage placed PSMS Agonoy near the safehouse on June 3, with a missing segment between 7:02-7:35 p.m.

Respondents Delia A. Agonoy (mother) and Verna Riza A. Agonoy (wife) filed an Amparo Petition against the police officers, alleging their involvement in the disappearance.
Respondents accused PMAJ Layugan of threatening PSMS Agonoy prior to his disappearance, with testimony from an asset, Crisanto Guevarra.
PMAJ Layugan reportedly refused entry to the safehouse when police sought to inspect it after the disappearance.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Cauayan City granted the Writ of Amparo and issued protection, inspection, and production orders.
The RTC found respondents had proven their case by substantial evidence considering the totality of circumstances.

Petitioners argued respondents failed to prove their case with substantial evidence.
They challenged the consistency of respondents’ testimonies and alleged violations of their right against self-incrimination.

Whether respondents were able to prove by substantial evidence their entitlement to the privilege of a writ of amparo for the enforced disappearance of PSMS Agonoy.
Whether the involvement of petitioners, members of the police, in the disappearance was sufficiently established.
Whether the Amparo Petition violated petitioners’ right against self-incrimination.