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MANILA, Philippines—The Filipino American activist who has accused the military of abducting her a couple of months ago is set to arrive in the Philippines on Monday evening to pursue her case here, the Commission on Human Rights said Sunday.
In a press statement, the rights body said it would take protective custody of Melissa Roxas upon her return from the United States.
“We will do everything we can to keep Ms. Roxas safe. At the same time, however, this demonstrates that there is a need to overhaul the witness protection program in the Philippines,” said CHR chairperson Leila De Lima.
“It is vital that the survivors of human rights violations are protected. Their safety and well-being must be safeguarded so that they can be allowed to tell their stories, and shed light on the true situation in the Philippines today,” she added.
Roxas is coming back to the country to attend the next hearing on her petition for a writ of amparo before the Court of Appeals. She is also scheduled to testify before the commission on July 23 about her alleged abduction and torture.
De Lima said the public hearing set at 9 a.m. Thursday seeks to end the culture of impunity prevalent in the country.
“This public hearing by the CHR will be carried out in line with its Constitutional mandate, to investigate human rights violations…The government must take meaningful action to protect human rights in the Philippines, not merely in statements and on paper but also in reality,” she said.
Allowing Roxas to tell her story is one of the best ways to ensure her safety, De Lima said.
“That is one more reason these hearings before the Court of Appeals and the CHR, as well as the robust participation of media, are so important. Transparency and accountability will help keep Ms. Melissa Roxas safe, and they will help keep all of us safe as well,” she added.
In her petition for writ of amparo, Roxas has accused the military of abducting her on May 19, 2009, and subjecting her to physical and mental torture. She was released six days later and has since then gone back to the US.
Roxas has also filed similar cases against the Philippine government in the US.
Veronica Uy
