Two <a href="https://news.ad-astra.icu/military-accused-of-abducting-two-activists-in-the-philippines-later-released.html” title=”Military accused of abducting two activists in the Philippines, later released”>environmental activists allegedly abducted by the Philippine military more than two weeks ago have been freed.
Jonila Castro, 21, and Jhed Tamano, 22, were working with coastal communities opposed to reclamation activities in Manila Bay when they disappeared on September 2 near the capital Manila.
They were released late on Tuesday night, hours after appearing at a government press conference where they went off script and accused the military of abduction — charges the authorities have repeatedly denied.
The Philippines is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for land and environmental defenders, with 11 activists killed in 2022, according to watchdog Global Witness.
“We proved, because of what happened, that what we are fighting for is correct,” a defiant Castro told reporters and activists after she was freed.
Tamano, who was standing next to Castro, called for “the resurfacing of other victims of forced disappearances”.
Source from www.aljazeera.com