Statement
February 2, 2026
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) welcomes the release of Filipino activist Chantal Anicoche after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) illegally detained her for three weeks.
Chantal’s release is the result of a relentless, international campaign. We applaud and recognize people’s organizations in the Philippines and abroad for their tireless efforts to ensure her release. Chantal’s advocacy and dedication for the rights and welfare of her fellow Filipinos has inspired and emboldened people around the world to emulate her concerns and support the most marginalized of Philippine society, including especially impacted communities in Mindoro where she was detained by the AFP.
Following Chantal’s reported return to the United States, we express our ongoing concern for her well being and safety. ICHRP remains vigilant in monitoring her situation and ensuring accountability for those who illegally detained her.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the posturing of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), who are feigning concern for Chantal while the AFP held her captive,” said ICHRP Chairperson, Peter Murphy.
“It is completely absurd that the NTF-ELCAC – a government entity internationally notorious for stoking harassment, intimidation and killings of civilians and human rights advocates – is trying to paint itself as the harbingers of truth and protectors of youth,” continued Murphy.
Contrary to their claims of concern for Filipino youth, the NTF-ELCAC has only enabled the AFP to subject Filipino youth and human rights defenders to torture. This is well documented in the case of Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro, who have testified to the massive cruelty and psychological torture used against them by Philippine state agents.
“Given the human rights record of the AFP and NTF-ELCAC, statements from these entities hold no weight when they held Chantal in a military camp where all kinds of coercion could happen,” said Murphy.
Despite the narrative of the Philippine state agencies, which are trying to divert attention from their massive violations of human rights and intimidate activists who expose the reality of the Philippine situation, ICHRP remains steadfast and dedicated to support Chantal and the Filipino people’s struggle for their comprehensive political, economic, social, cultural and collective rights.
####
