Disappearances ‘speak to dangers’ of environmental activism in Philippines

Mining company trucks across the street from a barricade set up by residents of Sibuyan, who oppose the company's efforts to mine nickel ore on the island [Nick Aspinwall/Al Jazeera]

Manila, Philippines – Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro were volunteering to help fishing communities affected by development around Manila Bay when, just after nightfall on September 2, they were allegedly grabbed from the street by four armed, masked men and forced into a grey SUV.

Now, more than one week later, authorities have provided no answers about the whereabouts of Tamano, 22, and Castro, 21, leaving colleagues and family members frustrated and suspicious.