COURTS AND OMBUDSMAN VINDICATE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

September 20, 2026

The NTF-ELCAC through its Legal Cooperation Cluster (LCC), welcomes the Office of the Ombudsman's decision dismissing all criminal and administrative complaints against government, military, and police officers filed by Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro.

The Ombudsman ruled that Tamano and Castro failed to present the required evidence to prove their claims of arbitrary detention, grave coercion, and related violations. This decision follows the Court of Appeals' earlier August 2024 ruling, which similarly rejected their petitions for the writs of amparo and habeas data due to a complete lack of substantial evidence.

These dual rulings reaffirm a core principle: serious charges against public servants must be proven by solid evidence in court, not by public propaganda, political theater, or manufactured narratives.

While Tamano and Castro claimed they were abducted, their allegations directly contradicted their own signed affidavits stating they voluntarily surrendered to the military.

The NTF-ELCAC and its Legal Cooperation Cluster will continue to defend state forces who faithfully execute their duties within the bounds of the law. We urge the public to remain vigilant against deceptive tactics designed to paint legitimate government peace and security operations as human rights violations.

The NTF-ELCAC remains committed to BUILD PEACE BETTER.