Filtered By: Topstories
News

Fil-Am victim of alleged military abuse back in RP


MANILA, Philippines - The Filipino-American activist who claimed to have been abducted and tortured by the military arrived in Manila on Monday night to testify against her alleged abductors. Radio dzBB's Roland Bola said Melissa Roxas arrived at the Ninoy Aquino Terminal International Airport (NAIA-1) at 10:20 p.m. aboard Northwest Flight 81. Roxas is set to attend two hearings by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Court of Appeals on July 23 and 30, respectively. The report quoted Roxas as saying that it was not easy for her to return to the Philippines, but that she had to because she needs to reveal the truth. Roxas was met by CHR chairperson Leila de Lima, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes, and Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo. Roxas, a member of the Bayan-US chapter, disappeared from May 19 to May 25. In her affidavit, she said at least 15 armed men abducted her and her companions, Juanito Carabeo and John Edward Handoc, at gunpoint while conducting a medical mission in La Paz, Tarlac. In an interview with dzBB radio, Gabriela Women's Party secretary general Cristina Palabay said Roxas's return shows her great intent to pursue her case. “Ito’y naranasan niya mismo dahil siya ay na-abduct at na-subject sa extensive torture nung nasa ilalim siya ng [military]," she said. - GMANews.TV
Tags: melissaroxas
LOADING CONTENT