CHR calls for search of 2 environment advocates amid reported abduction

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday called on authorities to conduct an "exhaustive search" for environment advocates Francisco "Eco" Dangla III and Axielle "Jak" Tiong, who were reportedly kidnapped in San Carlos City, Pangasinan.

The CHR, citing reports from human rights groups, said Dangla and Tiong were riding a tricycle on their way out of Barangay Polo when they were confronted by unidentified individuals at around 8 p.m. on March 24, Sunday. Dangla and Tiong were supposedly tackled by the perpetrators and forced inside a vehicle.

The Commission also reported that witnesses heard Tiong shouting for help, and saw torn pieces of Dangla's shirt that were left in the area.

"CHR urges for the exhaustive search of Dangla and Tiong. This can only be made possible through the immediate efforts of all relevant government and law enforcement agencies to act on this incident," the CHR said in a statement.

"Parallel to the State obligation to protect the rights of all Filipinos is the responsibility to resolve the growing susceptibility of human rights defenders to suspected enforced or involuntary disappearances," the CHR added.

Pursuant to its mandate, the statement read, the CHR has prompted an investigation into the incident.

The Commission noted that the victims were targets of red-tagging prior to their reported abduction.

"We take this opportunity to remind everyone that all acts of red-tagging put the welfare of individuals at risk and may endanger their life, liberty and security. It is, therefore, an outright violation of one's human rights," the CHR said.

The CHR called for the stricter implementation of Republic Act 10535 or the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act so the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

"Alongside the need to search for the whereabouts of missing human rights defenders is the identification of the perpetrators to hold them accountable under the eyes of the law," the CHR said.

Further, the CHR urged the Marcos administration to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

"We all have the inherent right to not be subjected to enforced disappearances, and no circumstance will ever justify this crime," the CHR said.

"The Commission remains undeterred in its call for a collective action to resolve all cases of disappearances in the country. We all hold the responsibility to foster a country that is conducive to the promotion and protection of the rights of all, and a large proportion of this lies on the need to put an end to the culture of impunity and to reinforce the wheels of justice," the CHR added.

Provincial coordinator, volunteer

Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list lawmaker France Castro also called for the search of the two advocates.

Dangla currently holds the position of Provincial Coordinator for ACT Pangasinan and the Makabayan bloc, while Tiong is a volunteer for Kabataan party-list.

"We urgently demand the immediate release and safe return of Eco Dangla and Axielle Tiong, and we call upon the abductors to surface them without any further delay. ACT Party-list and the Makabayan bloc stands firmly in solidarity with Dangla, Tiong, and their families during this distressing time," Castro said in a statement.

The Pangasinan police, Castro said, should fully cooperate and be transparent with the families and other investigators and work double time to retrieve Dangla and Tiong, otherwise Congress would look into the matter itself.

"We urge the authorities to swiftly investigate their abduction, as well as the numerous cases of attacks targeting unionists and progressive groups and individuals," Castro added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News