The International Coalition for Human Rights in the
Philippines (ICHRP) welcomes the release of Filipino
activist Chantal Anicoche after the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) illegally detained her for three
weeks.
Chantal’s release is the result of a
relentless, international campaign. We applaud and recognize
people’s organizations in the Philippines and abroad for
their tireless efforts to ensure her release. Chantal’s
advocacy and dedication for the rights and welfare of her
fellow Filipinos has inspired and emboldened people around
the world to emulate her concerns and support the most
marginalized of Philippine society, including especially
impacted communities in Mindoro where she was detained by
the AFP.
Following Chantal’s reported return to the
United States, we express our ongoing concern for her well
being and safety. ICHRP remains vigilant in monitoring her
situation and ensuring accountability for those who
illegally detained her.
“We condemn in the strongest
terms the posturing of the National Task Force to End Local
Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), who are feigning
concern for Chantal while the AFP held her captive,” said
ICHRP Chairperson, Peter Murphy.
“It is completely
absurd that the NTF-ELCAC – a government entity
internationally notorious for stoking harassment,
intimidation and killings of civilians and human rights
advocates – is trying to paint itself as the harbingers of
truth and protectors of youth,” continued
Murphy.
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
Contrary to their claims of concern for
Filipino youth, the NTF-ELCAC has only enabled the AFP to
subject Filipino youth and human rights defenders to
torture. This is well documented in the case of Jhed Tamano
and Jonila Castro, who have testified to the massive cruelty
and psychological torture used against them by Philippine
state agents.
“Given the human rights record of the
AFP and NTF-ELCAC, statements from these entities hold no
weight when they held Chantal in a military camp where all
kinds of coercion could happen,” said
Murphy.
Despite the narrative of the Philippine state
agencies, which are trying to divert attention from their
massive violations of human rights and intimidate activists
who expose the reality of the Philippine situation, ICHRP
remains steadfast and dedicated to support Chantal and the
Filipino people’s struggle for their comprehensive
political, economic, social, cultural and collective
rights.
