Progressive groups and human rights defenders in the Philippines and overseas condemned the 2nd ID for baselessly detaining Filipino-American activist Chantal Anicoche at Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal. They demanded her immediate release and for justice for the victims of bombings in Mindoro.

The military claimed “finding” Anicoche in a pit near the site of its encounter with a unit of the New People’s Army in Abra de Ilog, Mindoro on January 1. She was surfaced only seven days after. She remains detained without any charges filed against her. She has been denied access to her lawyer and human rights groups.

Bayan and Migrante chapters held protests at Philippine embassies and consulates in the US, Canada, London, and Australia from January 10 to 19. In the US and Canada, they also held online protests, petitions, and discussions about the situation in Mindoro. Migrante chapters in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Europe, and Thailand, along with international human rights groups, also supported the call.

In the Philippines, progressive groups protested at the Department of Defense on January 8 and 12, and at the Boy Scout Circle on January 9 and 16. Groups also mounted two protests at Camp Capinpin to visit Anicoche on January 10 but were denied entry. Instead, military surveillance assets surrounded and harassed them.