RP Gov't Says Abduction Staged, Activists Outraged
By Yong Chavez, North America News Bureau | 05/29/2009 7:33 AM
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LOS ANGELES, CA—Filipino-American activists are outraged at a statement from the Philippine government, suggesting the abduction of Melissa Roxas and two companions was staged by leftist rebels.
Demonstrators led by the leftist groups Karapatan and Bayan-USA screamed their outrage outside the Philippine Consulate yesterday, demanding justice for Roxas, the Los Angeles native who was one of the three abductees.
“Am I angry? Yes I am! My own personal friend has disappeared! We know what you’re doing!” screamed one demonstrator towards the Consulate building’s façade.
Roxas, 31, a member of Bayan, along with two colleagues, were reportedly abducted by gunmen in Tarlac on May 19th. All three have surfaced but have not yet spoken publicly about what happened to them.
Karapatan and Bayan-USA believe the Philippine police or military was behind the abduction. But a May 27th posting on the Philippine Embassy USA website says there is a “strong possibility” that the three activists were taken in by the leftist rebel group, the New People’s Army. The posting suggests the three were being “immersed” in NPA activities, and were put under hiding after receiving reports of an upcoming attack by Philippine government forces.
“Why would something like that be fabricated when it’s a human life that is involved?” said Sunshine Velasco, a demonstrator who rejected the Philippine Embassy’s claims.
"I'm very disappointed with the Philippine Embassy & the Philippine government,” said Kuusela Hilo, Bayan-USA Vice Chair & Melissa's friend. Hilo said the government and military’s long track record of human rights abuses makes her doubt the veracity of the Embassy statement.
Aside from Fil-Am activists, non-Filipinos and members of the religious community demanded justice for Roxas. Pastor Dave Farley of the United Methodist Church called for government transparency: "We should all be demanding the truth. There should be a full & impartial investigation."
Philippine authorities are still investigating the incident, and are encouraging those who may have information to cooperate with the police. Meanwhile, Roxas’ family, friends, and supporters in Los Angeles are waiting to hear Roxas tell her side of the story.
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