Freedom for environmentalist, fair treatment for Rosal, militants demand

MANILA, Philippines – Demanding the release of an environmentalist and the cry for fair treatment of a rebel leader’s daughter, militants shouted their protest in a rally they staged in front of Camp Aguinaldo Tuesday.

Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment called on the militaryto free environment activist Romeo Rivera and treat fairly Andrea Rosal, daughter of the late Ka Roger Rosal, the former spokesman of the New People’s Army.

Andrea Rosal cradles her newborn Diona Andrea at the PGH. Her motherly joy, however, would prove to be short-lived. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“We demand from the Armed Forces of the Philippines the release of Rivera and that Andrea Rosal be treated correctly in the hospital,” Kalikasan spokesman Leon Dulce said.

Rosal lost her baby two days after she gave birth at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on May 17 and militants have since decried the unjust treatment before and after her delivery. Rosal was detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) following her arrest last March 27.

Rivera has been detained at the Digos police detention center since his arrest last May 2.

Rivera has denied the military’s accusations that he was a ranking NPA officer.

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