(INQUIRER.net) MANILA, Philippines, July 19, 2009 — The Filipino American activist who has accused the military of abducting her a couple of months ago is set to arrive in the Philippines on Monday evening, July 20, 2009, to pursue her case here, the Commission on Human Rights said today.
In a press statement, the rights body said it would take protective custody of Melissa Roxas upon her return from the United States.
“We will do everything we can to keep Ms. Roxas safe. At the same time, however, this demonstrates that there is a need to overhaul the witness protection program in the Philippines,” said CHR chairperson Leila De Lima.
“It is vital that the survivors of human rights violations are protected. Their safety and well-being must be safeguarded so that they can be allowed to tell their stories, and shed light on the true situation in the Philippines today,” she added.
Roxas is coming back to the country to attend the next hearing on her petition for a writ of amparo before the Court of Appeals. She is also scheduled to testify before the commission on July 23 about her alleged abduction and torture.
More at FilAm activist to return to RP Monday - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
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