AFP acknowledges decision on release of NPA leader’s daughter

The release of Andrea Rosal, daughter of New People’s Army leader Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal, is not seen as a blow to the military’s anti-insurgency campaign.

“We submit to the procedures of the court,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato told reporters on Tuesday.

“These are legal procedures … At least nakikita natin na buhay ang demokrasya. Meron silang pagkakataon na ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili,” he said.

Rosal was released on Monday after the murder case filed against her was dismissed by Judge Rodolfo Obnamia Jr., presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 64 of Mauban, Quezon.

READ: Roger Rosal’s daughter cleared of murder; release pushed | NPA leader’s daughter walks out of prison

Prior to her release, Rosal, who was eight months pregnant when she was arrested in Caloocan City in March last year, was detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Her newborn child died last year while she was in detention and her camp blamed the death on prison authorities.

Despite the dismissal of her case, Detoyato maintained that Rosal was a member of the NPA.

“Meron tayong mga impormasyon diyan. Pero kung ipagpapatuloy nila ang kanilang mga gawain, ipagpapatuloy pa din natin ang paghahabol sa kanila,” he said.

“Nasa desisyon na nila yun kung babalik sila [sa NPA]. Kadalasan naman ang mga bumabalik ay sa pangalawang pagkakataon nahuhuli natin,” Detoyato added. Frances Mangosing/RC

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