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The allegation of Filpino-American activist Melissa Roxas has prompted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to perform background investigation on the said victim. Roxas testifies that she was abducted, gagged and tortured for six long days by the AFP. During her capture, Roxas claims that she was constantly urged to own up to an association the New People’s Army (NPA).

Roxas only came back to the Philippines this month, July 20 in anticipation of her petition at the Court of Appeals due ten days later (July 30). She was met up by Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson Laila de Lima along with others. The thirty-one (31) year old activist then related her trials in the hands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The story started with her being forcibly taken from the safety of her home, hauled into a vehicle and dragged to an encampment. According to her, this happened during the month of May and continued for six days.

However, the AFP in their defense comments that Melissa Roxas is actually an active member of the New People’s Army. The evidence stacks up as photographs of Ms. Roxas receiving gun handling lessons were recovered and shown by Alliance for National Democracy (ANAD) and Bantay representatives; Pastor Alcover and Jovito Palparan.

Whether or not Ms. Roxas is a member of the NPA, her abduction remains in question. Theories stating that Roxas was abducted by her own group (NPA) surfaced, and other speculations that even brings the Presidents scheduled visit with United States President Barack Obama into the picture. AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. has put forward the premise that the half-American Ms. Roxas is being used by the NPA to “create an impression of bad Philippine governance”, especially with the upcoming meeting with the US president.

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