2 activists get SC protection

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has granted environmental activists Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro protection from state security agents, saying there was an “established violation or threat” to their lives, liberty and security.

In an 18-page ruling promulgated on Oct. 24 last year but made public only yesterday, the SC granted Castro and Tamano’s petition for the issuance of writs of amparo and habeas data, and a temporary protection order.

A writ of amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security has been violated.

A writ of habeas data protects an individual’s right to control information when the information against the person was illegally obtained.

The two activists had accused the military of kidnapping and coercion.

Tamano and Castro disappeared in Orion, Bataan on Sept. 2, 2023.

They said they were dragged into a vehicle by men who introduced themselves as members of the military.

On Sept. 15 last year, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict claimed that Castro and Tamano, who had been declared missing, voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.