A community event at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on Wednesday highlighted the case of a Maryland woman, Chantal Anicoche, who friends say is currently held in military custody by the government of the Philippines.
Humanitarian Work and Military Custody
Friends of Anicoche state she was in the Philippines engaged in humanitarian work when she was taken into custody. The circumstances surrounding her detention are raising concerns among her network.
According to friends, Anicoche was on the island of Mindoro, described as a rural area with a significant indigenous population, at the time the Armed Forces of the Philippines engaged in military action – dropping bombs and opening fire – on New Year’s Day.
“I’m very, very worried for her,” said Rika Ramos, a friend of Anicoche. “When I first heard the news that she was missing, I was devastated. I was crying.”
Video Release and Concerns of Staging
A video released on social media by the Filipino military on January 8th appears to show Anicoche emerging from a hole, where the government claims she had been for eight days following the military action. The video can be viewed here.
Gordon Mutch, a member of the Baltimore Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, expressed skepticism about the video’s authenticity. “The military was pressured, we believed into surfacing her, and they posted a video online that many human rights advocates, humanitarians, believe is possibly staged.”
Frances Quijano, another friend of Anicoche, stated, “I was actually glad that she was alive, but it was hard to see her in those conditions.”
Limited Information and Calls for Assistance
The Armed Forces of the Philippines subsequently posted on social media that Anicoche was “voluntarily” remaining in the country for medical treatment. Friends have expressed doubt about this claim, stating they believe she is being held against her will.
“I don’t believe it for a second,” Ramos said. “If they wanted to be sure that she was voluntarily staying there, why don’t we hear it from her own mouth? Why do they keep speaking for her?”
Friends report limited access to information regarding Anicoche’s condition and whereabouts, citing restrictions imposed by the government. They also note that she was reportedly found with only bug bites, which they do not believe would necessitate extensive medical care.
As of Wednesday night, WJZ has not received a response from Anicoche’s family, who are reportedly requesting privacy. Mutch stated, “It’s really tough to have your daughter be missing and then be found in military captivity. I can’t imagine that. I think I’ve known her for almost five years and it’s really been the toughest week of my life.”
Anicoche’s friends are now urging members of Congress to pressure the U.S. State Department to intervene and secure her return home. WJZ contacted the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Manila, but neither agency had issued a comment as of Wednesday night. Members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation could not confirm whether Anicoche’s family had contacted them for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is known about Chantal Anicoche’s work in the Philippines?
Friends of Chantal Anicoche say she was in the Philippines doing humanitarian work, particularly concerning issues affecting the indigenous population of Mindoro.
What has the Filipino government said about Anicoche’s detention?
The Filipino government claims Anicoche was found after being hidden for eight days following military action and is now voluntarily staying for medical treatment.
What are Anicoche’s friends doing to help?
Anicoche’s friends are raising awareness about her situation and calling on U.S. members of Congress to pressure the State Department to intervene and bring her home.
What further steps might be taken to secure Anicoche’s release and ensure her safe return home remain to be seen, but will likely depend on diplomatic efforts and potential advocacy from U.S. officials.