Independent probe sought on case of 2 activists

MANILA, Philippines — A human rights organization is calling for an independent investigation into the alleged abduction of two environment activists who were in the custody of the military.

Everyone involved in the disappearance of Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, including the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), should be held accountable, according to Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay.

“The initial list of those who should be charged should include those who played prominent roles in what would have been an elaborate and sinister cover-up of Jonila and Jhed’s abduction, enforced disappearance and fake or forced surrender, had the victims not courageously turned the tables on their abductors,” Palabay said.

“Deeper probes should be conducted by credible and independent bodies to determine the culpability of other personalities in this despicable crime,” she added.

Castro and Tamano disappeared in Orion, Bataan on Sept. 2 while preparing for an outreach activity in communities affected by reclamation projects in Manila Bay.

The government initially denied having custody of the two, but the NTF-ELCAC later held a press conference claiming that Castro and Tamano “voluntarily surrendered” and supposedly signed affidavits admitting that they left the communist movement.

The NTF-ELCAC held another press conference last Tuesday, saying it would present the two activists who would confirm the contents of the affidavit.

But Castro and Tamano instead accused the military of abduction and coercion, saying they were forced to sign the affidavits after they were taken last Sept. 2.

The NTF-ELCAC said it was surprised by the statements and stood by its version of events.

Karapatan said the