The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started its own probe and has dispatched a quick response team to look into the reported disappearance last Sept. 2 of two environment advocates in Bataan.

It acted on report by the anti-reclamation network AKAP Ka Manila Bay that Jonila Castro, 21, and Jhed Tamano, 22, were allegedly snatched in Barangay Lati, Orion, Bataan at about 7 p.m. last Sept. 2. 

Quoting AKAP Ka Manila Bay, the CHR said that Castro and Tamano volunteered to conduct research on the flooding and the effects of the Manila Bay reclamation on the livelihoods of the fishing communities in Orion town.

It said that prior to their alleged abduction, AKAP Ka Manila Bay reported that the two environmentalists have allegedly been intimidated and harassed. 

"CHR is gravely alarmed by this latest case of alleged abduction only a few days after the observance of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance," it said.

"We call for immediate and exhaustive efforts from law enforcement agencies to search for the missing young environment advocates," it stressed.

The commission pointed out that it is crucial for witnesses and individuals to come forward with any information they have regarding the whereabouts and activities of Castro and Tamano, and coordinate with the CHR and other investigative bodies to help locate them.

"The Commission stresses that arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of liberty, such as illegal arrest, detention, or abduction, are severe human rights violations punishable under the Republic Act No. 10353 or the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012. It cannot be overemphasized that the Philippine Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantee the right to life, liberty, and security of all," it said. 

The abduction of Castro and Tamano only shows how susceptible the country's activists are to enforced or involuntary disappearances, the CHR said as it expressed hopes that the government will take "decisive action" before similar incidents take place.

At the same time, the CHR underscored the need to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. This will hopefully serve as a legal standard that will be able to withstand political dynamics, leadership change, or shifts in policies, it said.

It also said: "We also continue to remind the government to strengthen safeguards on the rights of environmental defenders. As many of them work to defend the environment through peaceful and responsible means, it is imperative that they are supported, instead of subjected to violence, harassment, and intimidation,"