Since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office, around 15 environmental activists in the Philippines have disappeared.
Jhed Tamano, 22, and Jonila Castro, 21, were volunteering to assist fishing communities near Manila Bay when they were allegedly abducted on the night of September 2 by four masked, armed men in a grey SUV. Over a week later, their whereabouts remain unknown, with authorities offering no answers. Jonila’s mother, Rosalie, expressed frustration, saying, “I just want my daughter back.” Activist groups blame state actors for the abductions, alleging that military officers had been monitoring Castro for months. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police suspect the two of having links to the New People’s Army, heightening concerns for environmental activists in the Philippines.
President Marcos has promoted large-scale mining and renewable energy projects as key drivers of economic growth, but land activists and Indigenous leaders opposing these developments face serious threats. A report by UK-based NGO Global Witness revealed that the Philippines was the deadliest country in Asia for environmental defenders in 2022, with 11 activists killed. Many others have been threatened, including those protesting illegal mining in Sibuyan. Rachel Cox of Global Witness highlighted the dangers faced by environmental advocates, stating, “If you challenge the status quo, you risk being attacked or undermined, often with no accountability.”
Tamano and Castro’s Fight Against Controversial Bay Reclamation Projects
Tamano and Castro were volunteers with AKAP Ka Manila Bay, a group opposing land reclamation projects, including the $15 billion New Manila International Airport near Castro’s hometown in Bulacan. These projects, started under Duterte, have drawn criticism for destroying fishing waters and threatening ecosystems like mangrove forests vital to flood prevention. Despite President Marcos’ recent claim to suspend these projects, no formal action has been taken, and dredging continues. AKAP Ka Manila Bay has been “red-tagged” by the military, a common tactic to discredit activists by linking them to the communist New People’s Army.
Jonila Castro’s Family Faces Harassment Before Her Disappearance
In 2022, a man claiming to be a military officer visited Rosalie Castro, urging her to convince her daughter Jonila to surrender as a member of the NPA. Rosalie refused, stating Jonila wasn’t a rebel. This year, a man identifying as an Armed Forces sergeant, along with an anti-communist task force officer, made similar requests. Despite Jonila’s warnings, Rosalie trusted them. After Jonila’s abduction, Rosalie contacted the sergeant, but he soon stopped responding. When she filed a police report, officers showed a presentation linking Jonila to the NPA, further complicating the search for answers.
