CHR probes kidnapping of activist’s brother

MANILA, Philippines —  The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is investigating the alleged kidnapping of a brother of an activist and former political prisoner in Batangas last week.

The CHR said its Calabarzon regional office launched a quick response operation to look into the incident involving Jose Marie Estiller, whose sister Jean is a leader of a women’s rights group.

Closed-circuit television footage released by various human rights groups showed five armed men taking Jose Marie while he was walking to his apartment in Batangas City.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group claimed that Jose Marie, who they said is wanted for various crimes, “voluntarily surrendered” to the military.

Human rights group Karapatan accused the police and the military of engaging in “abduction-fake surrender” modus, citing the case of environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano.