SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan – Two environmental defenders were reportedly abducted here on Sunday, March 24.
Pangasinan police director Police Col. Jeff Fanged has ordered an investigation on the case of Francisco "Eco" Dangla III and Joxielle "Jak" Tiong.
Witnesses and concerned citizens said they were mauled and dragged to a waiting vehicle at around 8 p.m.
Fanged said that they are assisting the families of the victims and have the statement of witnesses.
He said they are also backtracking surveillance camera footages in the area.
"I personally ordered to help in the ongoing investigation on the ground. Pangasinan PPO will fully cooperate and will help in locating the reported missing persons,” Fanged said.
Militant groups have condemned the kidnapping which they said is the seventh and eighth in Central Luzon, including Pangasinan.