THREAD: The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) today presents Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro, the two missing environmentalists who surrendered recently to the Philippine Army in Dona Remedios, Bulacan. | @EJgomezzzz
Present in today’s media briefing include Plaridel, Bulacan Mayor Jocell Aimee Vistan, NTF-ELCAC Secretariat Director Alexander Umpar, and Lt. Col. Ronnel dela Cruz, Commanding Officer of the 70th Infantry Battalion. | @EJgomezzzz
On Friday, the NTF-ELCAC said the two environmentalists surrendered to the 70th Infantry Battalion in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan on Sept. 12—ten days after they went missing. | @EJgomezzzz
Various progressive and human rights groups claimed Tamano and Castro, who are community organizers working with fishermen opposing reclamation projects in Manila Bay, were allegedly abducted by four armed men on Sept. 2 in Orion, Bataan. | @EJgomezzzz
@EJgomezzzz On Sept. 6, Anakbayan national spokesperson Kate Almenzo claimed that the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the NTF-ELCAC were behind the abduction of the two activists. | @EJgomezzzz
Following thorough investigation, the NTF-ELCAC dismissed the leftist groups' claims and said those were just "propaganda" against the state.
The task force added that Tamano & Castro left the "communist movement" to return to their normal lives with their families. | @EJgomezzzz
“Hindi po totoo na kusang loob po kaming sumurrender dahil pinilit lang po kami,” says Tamano.
“Nung gabi po ng Sept. 2, naglalakad lang po kami sa kalsada nung meron pong dumukot sa amin. May tumigil pong SUV sa harap namin tapos dinukot po kami,” she adds. | @EJgomezzzz
@EJgomezzzz WATCH: Some protesters flocked to Plaridel, Bulacan Municipal Hall minutes after the press briefing of NTF-ELCAC with Tamano and Castro, who refuted the authorities' claim that they "surrendered." The two activists said they were abducted. | @EJgomezzzz
Protesters in front of the Plaridel, Bucalan Municipal Hall shouted: “Nandito kami dahil alam naming nandito sina Jonila at Jhed.”
“Ilabas si Jonila at Jhed!” | @EJgomezzzz
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