​KARAPATAN demands immediate release of Chantal Anicoche, raises questions on AFP’s claims of “finding” her

[KARAPATAN Public Information]

PRESS RELEASE

January 9, 2026

Reference: Cristina Palabay, KARAPATAN secretary general, 09173162831

KARAPATAN Public Information Desk, 09189790580

KARAPATAN demands immediate release of Chantal Anicoche, raises questions on AFP’s claims of “finding” her

Human rights alliance KARAPATAN demanded the immediate release of Chantal Anicoche, stressing that there is no lawful basis for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to hold her under their custody. The group also raised serious doubts over the AFP’s claim that the young Filipina community leader from the United States was allegedly “found” yesterday in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, warning that the circumstances portrayed in the videos may have been staged by the military to evade accountability.

Anicoche, 24, was reported missing during the military operations on January 1, 2026 in Abra de Ilog, which involved aerial attacks that displaced residents and resulted in attacks against civilians. Her whereabouts remained unknown for days, triggering grave concern among her family and human rights groups.

“There is no lawful justification for Chantal Anicoche to remain in military custody. She must be immediately released to her family, legal counsel, or human rights organizations,” said Cristina Palabay, Secretary General of KARAPATAN. “Her rights must be respected at all times, and her safety and physical and psychological integrity must never be compromised by any form of duress or pressure.”

KARAPATAN expressed alarm that Anicoche was allegedly “found” a week after her disappearance in an area reportedly near the site of military operations where thousands of troops had been deployed. “With four battalions of soldiers deployed in the area, it is baffling that she was not located then, only to be allegedly ‘found’ a week later in a nearby site,” Palabay said.

The group further flagged the military’s conduct during her alleged recovery, noting reports that soldiers insinuated the presence of firearms or explosives in the area and interrogated Anicoche about why she was in Mindoro, telling her to “tell the truth” and “cooperate.” Palabay said this indicated “a presumption of guilt and an atmosphere of intimidation.”

KARAPATAN stressed that these inconsistencies undermine the AFP’s narrative and reinforce concerns that Anicoche’s alleged recovery may have been staged, underscoring the urgent need for her immediate release and an independent investigation into the circumstances of her disappearance and alleged recovery.

“Anicoche must not be subjected to torture, coercive interrogation, threats, harassment, or intimidation. We continue to call on the Commission on Human Rights, independent monitors, and international bodies to verify her condition, and investigate the January 1 military operations in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro,” said Palabay.

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Alliance for the Advancement of People's Rights

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Telefax: (+63 2) 4354146

Web: http://www.karapatan.org

KARAPATAN is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual advocates committed to the defense and promotion of people’s rights and civil liberties.  It monitors and documents cases of human rights violations, assists and defends victims and conducts education, training and campaign.