On January 30, Philippine state forces reported that Chantal Anicoche departed from the Philippines after weeks under military custody. We thank the thousands of Filipinos and solidarity allies around the world for campaigning for her return and defending her human rights. Her surfacing and release to the US would not have happened if we did not speak out. It is through our collective action that Chantal is finally away from the clutches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who illegally detained her.
Chantal was held incommunicado by the AFP for at least 23 days—the same forces that bombed the Mangyan community she was visiting on New Year’s Day. Lawyers, human rights advocates and progressive lawmakers made multiple attempts to speak with Chantal and ascertain her condition but were blocked and denied by the AFP. We firmly reiterate that any undertaking or statements claimed by the AFP as Chantal’s is suspect and executed under a state of coercion. This is a familiar tactic: the AFP abducts activists, extracts false statements under duress, and uses them to legitimize attacks on poor communities.
The 203rd Infantry Brigade must be held accountable for bombing indigenous civilians in Mindoro, and the 2nd Infantry Division for illegally detaining Chantal without charge. We also condemn the Philippine military and state’s deceptive lies, the threats and harassment against organizations and individuals, including Filipino migrant groups who have a long track record of upholding the rights of the most oppressed and exploited peoples in the Philippines. These are desperate moves intended to divert the attention away from the crimes and human rights violations they committed in the province of Mindoro.
We continue to support Chantal’s well being and safety and express admiration for her courageous love for her motherland, her passion and contributions to advocating for the rights of rural and indigenous communities in the Philippines.
We urge overseas Filipinos worldwide to continue demanding justice for the people of Mindoro who have been victimized by corporate plunder, state repression and militarization.
