PNP steps into Fil-American activist's alleged abduction

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has kicked-off its probe into the alleged abduction of a Filipino-American activist, a spokesman said today.

PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Leonardo Espina said the PNP Task Force Usig has started the initial stages of the investigation based on the sworn statement of Melissa Roxas, a member of Bayan-US, on May 29, 2009.

Task Force Usig handles cases of violence committed against militant activists, journalists, government officials and foreigners.

Espina said investigators of Task Force Usig will coordinate with local leaders of the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan for Roxas’ availability for an interview to unearth more information that would be vital in the investigation.

The PNP official also expressed confidence that the investigation will be able to identify those responsible in the abduction and torture of Roxas.

"Task Force Usig is under instructions from PNP Chief, Director General Jesus Verzosa, to leave no stone unturned in the investigation of this case no matter who is involved," Espina said.

The PNP is offering security for Roxas upon her return to the country. Roxas claimed she, along with two others, were abducted and tortured by the military in La Paz, Tarlac, last May. She was later released by her captors.

Both government lawyers and the Armed Forces of the Philippines denied that Roxas' abduction happened. - By Dennis Carcamo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)