Rescued American citizen Chantal Anicoche, 24, has formally expressed her intention to remain at the 2nd Infantry Division Station Hospital to undergo medical procedures, according to the Philippine Army.
Military officials said Anicoche executed an undertaking in the presence of an independent third-party lawyer from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, stating that her decision to stay at the hospital was voluntary and made without force, threat or intimidation.
“The 2nd Infantry Division honors her intent and recognizes the primacy of improving her medical conditions after suffering from difficult physical and mental challenges,” said Col. Michael Aquino, spokesperson of the 2nd Infantry Division and chief of its Public Affairs Office.
Anicoche was rescued by troops of the 203rd Infantry Brigade following a series of armed encounters with New People’s Army rebels on Jan. 1, 2026, in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, the Army said.
She was among those reportedly left behind by retreating NPA fighters and was found about 400 meters from the encounter site. Military officials said she endured eight days without food and water before being discovered and brought to the 2nd Infantry Division headquarters for medical attention.
The Army said security operations in Abra de Ilog remain ongoing to ensure the safety of local communities.
Meanwhile, Kabataan Partylist called for the “swift and safe release” of Anicoche, whom it described as a 24-year-old Filipino American community leader from the United States. The group urged that she be turned over to her family and colleagues and removed from military custody without condition.
Kabataan Partylist also called for an independent humanitarian mission in Abra de Ilog to verify reports of civilian harm following recent military operations. The group further sought accountability for what it described as violations of international humanitarian law and raised concerns over the situation in Mindoro.
