By Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America Bureau
May 24, 2011
SAN FRANCISCO – Dozens of Filipino-American activists held a reenactment of the alleged abduction and torture of Melissa Roxas for six days in Tarlac, Philippines, at the Union Square in San Francisco Monday night.
This is part of a nationwide protest to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of Roxas’ horrific experience. But recently, her alleged abusers, the Philippine military, has been cleared of this crime by the Philippine Commission on Human Rights.
AV Herrera, chair of Anakbayan-Silcon Valley said, “I am not really surprised this happened. Etta Rosales, chair of CHR, is against activists and sides with the government. So we expected that outcome. But we’re still upset about it.”
These activists marched all the way to the Philippine Consulate, to show their support for Roxas’ move to file a complaint against the Philippine Commission on Human Rights before the United Nations for not holding her perpetrators accountable.
President of ALAY, Lyra Ibarra said, “It’s important that you express your opinions because anyone can be Melissa Roxas and suffer the same fate. You know, we’re just trying to better the community.”
Roxas may be the first Filipino-American reportedly abducted and tortured in the Philippines but activists said the fight goes beyond her. It also seeks to give voice to the 1,200 victims of human rights violations in the Philippines which remain unsolved to this day.
Atty. Arnedo Valera, counsel for Roxas and the executive director of the Migrant Heritage Commission said he will file damages against the Philippine government before the U.N. for Roxas. Valera said, “Her reparation consists of restitution,compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition.”
Roxas is also calling for the U.N. to impose sanctions on the Philippine government which could include the removal of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights for failure to address human rights violations in the country.
For more information, you may contact Henni Espinosa at henni_espinosa@abs-cbn.com
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Kikay, I would rather be the lone person advocating against a great injustice done than be among the flock of deniers that claim the Philippine government has a perfect human rights record. Fortunately, I am not the only person advocating for justice for Ms. Roxas or many similar cases.
apollo !! !!! IF MS ROXAS HAVE A STRONG CASE ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION , HUNDREDS OF FILIPINO PEOPLE WILL JOIN THIS PROTEST BUT THE COUNT OF ACTIVIST WHO JOINED THIS RALLY WILL GIVE YOU A CLEAR ANSWER
Kikay, I don’t think the purpose of bringing this case to the United Nations is for them to prove the case of abduction and torture. It is to hold the Philippines accountable for their inaction on human rights issues. If the Philippine government insists on being part of the UN, then they should act the part and follow the mandates of the UN in regards to human rights. You hear about the Maguindanao Massacre? Justice doesn’t come swiftly in the Philippines, if at all.
Smart, welcome to the 21st century! We live in a world where social issues are globalized and a fight on US soil is just as important as protesting on Philippine soil. I wonder if you would be as adamant to find that the Philippine government has used public relations firms and lobbyist here in the US to make them look “good.” I say there is good reason to fight here or anywhere. National borders are no excuse for apathy.
the UN can not proved if SADDAM genocide his own people .. this activist claims are far proven
Why don’t you all go to the Philippines and fight your battles over there! You cowards!!! Go and fight the Philippine government…in the Philippines!!!