PRESS RELEASE
BAYAN Philippines
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan welcomes the positive findings and decisions of the Court of Appeals in relation to the petition for a writ of amparo by our colleague Melissa Roxas.
The CA has correctly pointed out that Melissa was indeed abducted and tortured and that there is no truth to the claims by the Arroyo government that the incident was “stage-managed” or “self-inflicted”. We believe that this is the most important aspect of the decision. This particular finding is a victory for Melissa because it shows that she was telling the truth about her ordeal. It is clear proof that torture does exist in the Philippines under the watch of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Bayan thus welcomes the protection order coming from the Court which covers Melissa and her family here in the Philippines.
We also view as positive the granting of the writ of habeas data for Melissa.
This states that the government and its agents are enjoined from further disseminating videos and other information that allege Melissa as a member of the New People’s Army. The CA correctly pointed out that such dissemination of unverified information violates the right to privacy and endangers the life of Melisa.
Melissa’s lawyer, Atty. Rex Fernandez is still studying the court’s denial of the other relief prayed for by the petitioner.
Bayan, including its chapter in the United States, remains committed to seeking justice for Melissa and other victims of torture and abduction. ###