SC grants protection writs to 2 environmental activists

Environmental activists Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro face the media on Sept. 19, 2023. (INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has granted the writ of amparo and habeas data for environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano in a decision released on Thursday.

In the 18-page decision, the SC said that the petitioners, Castro and Tamano, were entitled to the writ of amparo and habeas data as it found that there were threats or violations to “their life, liberty, and security.”

“In granting their petition, the Court found that petitioners were able to prove by substantial evidence the allegations in their petition meriting the protection of their freedoms through the writs of amparo and habeas data,” the Supreme Court said.

In 2023, Castro and Tamano claimed that they were abducted by members of the military, and that they were forced to write an affidavit claiming that they were members of rebel insurgent groups who surrendered.

However, authorities denied their claims, and said that the two “left the rebel groups out of their free will.”

After having signed their affidavits, in a press conference, the two narrated that they were forced to write the affidavit and that they did not surrender.