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'Rescued' Fil-Am activist leaves PH -- BI

Philippines | National

'Rescued' Fil-Am activist leaves PH -- BI

By Jeffrey Damicog

A Filipino-American activist, who was reportedly rescued by the military from New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Occidental Mindoro, has left the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Sunday, Feb. 1.

BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said that Chantal Anicoche, 24, a holder of an American passport, left the Philippines last Friday, Jan. 20, onboard a United Airlines flight.

Sandoval clarified that Anicoche was not deported but merely ordered to leave the Philippines on request of the Philippine Army (PA).

Also, Sandoval said that Anicoche was not overstaying in the Philippines since her arrival in March 2025.

She explained that as a “balikbayan” Anicoche is allowed to stay in the Philippines visa free for one year.

Published reports stated that the PA rescued Anicoche in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro last New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, following military operations against suspected NPA rebels.

The same reports also stated that Anicoche was among those left behind by the fleeing rebels and she was found about 400 meters from the encounter site after soldiers heard cries for help.

The PA said that Anicoche, who endured eight days without food and water, was later brought to the headquarters of its 2nd Infantry Division so her medical condition could be addressed.

However, human rights group Karapatan challenged the claims of the military that Anicoche was rescued.

Karapatan alleged that a week prior to her rescue, Anicoche was reported missing when the military conducted operations involving aerial attacks that displaced residents.

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