FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – The Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division based here vehemently denied on reports that a Filipino-American activist was abducted and tortured inside the camp.
“We deny her claim,” said Major Charlemaigne Batayol, spokesperson of the 7ID, of reports that Melissa Roxas who was reportedly abducted by some 15 men from a medical mission in Tarlac on May 19, 2009 was ever tortured in Fort Magsaysay.
In a press conference in Los Angeles, California, Roxas said the men blindfolded her, dragged her to a van and had her arms handcuffed. She was then brought to a “seemingly military camp” in Nueva Ecija.
She was freed reportedly on May 25.
Batayol said the command, headed by Major Gen. Ralph Villanueva, is “governed by the rule of law.”
“We uphold the human rights of every individual,” he added. The military, Batayola said, condemn the violations inflicted on Roxas.
“It is not possible that she was brought here at Fort Magsaysay. The camp is open to the public especially to students and tourists touring the whole camp,” the spokesperson stressed in a message.
He said the command, with all its facilities, is open to any investigation.
“We are not hiding anything. In fact, the chair of the CHR (Commission on Human Rights) herself personally inspected the camp recently,” he added.
It was not the first time the 7ID was dragged into controversies involving activists. Some of its top officers are being linked to the controversial disappearance of Jonas Burgos.
During the stint of Villanueva’s predecessor, now partylist Rep. Jovito Palparan, the command earned the ire of militant groups for allegedly asking for community tax certificates (cedula) on travelers.
“We deny her claim,” said Major Charlemaigne Batayol, spokesperson of the 7ID, of reports that Melissa Roxas who was reportedly abducted by some 15 men from a medical mission in Tarlac on May 19, 2009 was ever tortured in Fort Magsaysay.
In a press conference in Los Angeles, California, Roxas said the men blindfolded her, dragged her to a van and had her arms handcuffed. She was then brought to a “seemingly military camp” in Nueva Ecija.
She was freed reportedly on May 25.
Batayol said the command, headed by Major Gen. Ralph Villanueva, is “governed by the rule of law.”
“We uphold the human rights of every individual,” he added. The military, Batayola said, condemn the violations inflicted on Roxas.
“It is not possible that she was brought here at Fort Magsaysay. The camp is open to the public especially to students and tourists touring the whole camp,” the spokesperson stressed in a message.
He said the command, with all its facilities, is open to any investigation.
“We are not hiding anything. In fact, the chair of the CHR (Commission on Human Rights) herself personally inspected the camp recently,” he added.
It was not the first time the 7ID was dragged into controversies involving activists. Some of its top officers are being linked to the controversial disappearance of Jonas Burgos.
During the stint of Villanueva’s predecessor, now partylist Rep. Jovito Palparan, the command earned the ire of militant groups for allegedly asking for community tax certificates (cedula) on travelers.
