Task Force Usig probes alleged abduction of Filipino-American activist

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police chief director General Jesus Versoza has ordered an investigation into the alleged abduction and torture of Filipino-American activist Melissa Roxas.

According to PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Leonardo Espina, the PNP’s Task Force Usig has already began the initial stages of investigation based on every available information, primarily Roxas’ May 29 sworn statement.

“The investigation of the alleged abduction and torture of Melissa Roxas is being handled by Task Force Usig for a more coordinated action by the different investigative units of the PNP including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Crime Laboratory, local police units and other national support units.

Espina said Task Force Usig investigators will coordinate with local leaders of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) for the availability of Roxas to be interviewed by investigators. Espina is confident that the investigation will identify Roxas’ abductors.

“Task Force Usig is under instructions from PNP Chief to leave no stone unturned in the investigation of this case no matter who is involved,” Espina said. Espina also said the PNP is also offering to provide Roxas with security during her stay in the Philippines to pursue her petition for a writ of amparo before the Court of Appeals.

Roxas, a member of Bayan-USA, claims to have been abducted on May 19 along with two other volunteers, Juanito Carabeo and John Edward Handoc, in La Paz, Tarlac.

In her petition for a writ of amparo and sworn testimony, Roxas alleged that she was held for six days blindfolded and handcuffed in a place, which she suspected to be a military camp, as she noted hearing radio communications, gunshots from a supposed firing range, and sounds of aircraft.

Militant groups suspect that Roxas could have been brought to Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, the headquarters of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, since the area is a short distance from La Paz town.

Roxas also alleged that her abductors tortured her and denied her a legal counsel, as they tried to force her to admit being a member of the New People’s Army.

Roxas returned to the US on May 31. Her petition, which seeks protection for her and her relatives in the country, was filed on June 1.

Named as respondents in her petition were President Arroyo, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and top police and military officials.

Bayan said the CA has set a hearing on Roxas’ petition on July 30, the same day that President Arroyo is set to meet US President Barack Obama.

The CA required Roxas to appear during the hearing, otherwise her petition would be archived.  –-Mike Frialde with Dennis Carcamo, Rudy Santos, Philippine Star