The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) "felt betrayed" after the two missing environmentalists unexpectedly claimed during a press conference that they were kidnapped by the military.
"We are appalled as we are deeply saddened by the unfortunate turn of events during this morning's press conference at the Municipal Hall of Plaridel town in Bulacan, where youths Jhed Reiyana Tamano and Jonila Castro parroted the propaganda lines of leftist groups on their supposed abduction by security forces. We felt betrayed," the task force said in a statement.
Jhed Tamano, 22, and Jonila Castro, 21, claimed in Tuesday morning's press conference organized by the task force that they were abducted and threatened by soldiers, contrary to reports that they voluntarily surrendered.
The two environmental activists said that they were only forced to sign the alleged affidavit.
Meanwhile, NTF-ELCAC altered the claims by citing the 70th Infantry Battalion under LtCol. Ronnel Dela Cruz on the circumstances surrounding the surrender of Tamano and Castro, as backed up by the duo's affidavits.
The task force also noted that they stand by the official report of the Philippine National Police in Bataan Province, where the two earlier allegedly surrendered.
"Whatever caused their sudden change of heart is beyond us. Earlier engagements by Task Force officials with the two students regarding the veracity and truthfulness of their affidavits were convincing enough to merit their public appearance."
Despite the incident, the task force said it remains steadfast in ensuring the safety of the two and committed to upholding their rights as individuals under any circumstances.
According to the body, if the intention is to humiliate them despite the good faith they have shown, they promise to remain unfazed and committed to their duty to the people and the country.
"We leave it to the wisdom of the Task Force’s legal eagles as to how to proceed from here," the body said.
"Rest assured that the NTF-ELCAC remains committed to continue to tread the path of unity, peace and development at all costs and that Ms. Tamano and Ms. Castro’s safety and well-being are of primordial importance," it concluded.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) earlier investigated the reported disappearance of two environmentalists in Orion, Bataan.
On Friday, September 15, the two reportedly surrendered to the custody of the government
According to the confirmation of NTF-ELCAC, Tamano and Castro decided to surrender at the Bataan Provincial Office and yielded to authorities in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, on September 12.
