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MANILA, Philippines ? Members of the House of Representatives are seeking an investigation on the abduction and torture of a Filipino-American activist and two community health workers in Tarlac two months ago allegedly by members of the military.
Quezon Representative Lorenzo Tañada III, chairman of the committee on human rights and one of those who filed House Resolution 1267 calling for the inquiry, said he hoped his committee would be able to conduct a hearing while Melissa Roxas was still in the country, so that she could testify.
Aside from Tañada, eight partylist representatives joined in the filing of the resolution ? Satur Ocampo, Teodoro Casiño and Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna, Liza Maza and Luz Ilagan of Gabriela, Rafael Mariano and Joel Maglunsod of Anakpawis, and Raymond Palatino of Kabataan.
Roxas and community health workers Juanito Carabeo and Edward Jandoc were abducted on May 19 in La Paz tow, Tarlac province north of Manila allegedly by members of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army while conducting a survey ahead of a medical mission in Kapanikian village.
Released after seven days Roxas claimed she was tortured by her captors. She also filed a petition for writ of amparo, a special legal instrument issued by the Supreme Court to protect people whose rights have been violated by government activities or acts of omission.
Based in California, Roxas returned to the country Monday to appear before the July 30 hearing on her petition. The Commission on Human Rights said it would also look into Roxas? case.
Carabeo and Jandoc, who were reported released, have remained silent about their abduction and torture because of fear and trauma. They are said to be with their families but such claims are unconfirmed, according to the congressmen in their resolution.
