LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The two environmental defenders reported missing on March 24 have surfaced, police said on Maundy Thursday.
Francisco "Eco" Dangla III and Joxielle "Jak" Tiong were allegedly forcibly taken by unidentified persons onboard a pick-up truck at about 7 p.m. in Barangay Polo, San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/26/police-probe-abduction-of-2-environmental-defenders
Pangasinan police chief Police Col. Jeff Fanged said Camila Dangla Ibaan, Dangla’s sister, reported to the San Carlos City police that they have appeared in good physical and mental condition.
The San Carlos City police told Fanged that a lawyer who identified himself as Marvin Palasiqui confirmed that the duo sought refuge at the Dagupan Cathedral in Dagupan City on March 27 and already in the custody of their families.
San Carlos City police investigators reached out to them and their families for a follow-up investigation about their alleged disappearance.
However, their request was denied as they are still exhausted and traumatized because of the incident.
Militant groups said they are relieved that the pair have been found.
"After three days of persistent and tireless efforts and camp searches, we are relieved to confirm that environmental rights defenders and church workers Francisco ‘Eco’ Dangla III and Joxelle ‘Jak’ Tiong are no longer in the hands of their abductors, bruised but alive,” they said.
“While they are still reeling from their harrowing ordeal, we hope that in due time, Eco and Jak will be able to fully recount the details of their abduction and subsequent release. Their captors should desist from making any attempts to further harass them,” they added.