Enjoy your freedom, military tells Ka Roger’s daughter

MANILA, Philippines - The military advised the daughter of the late New People’s Army (NPA) spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal to enjoy her freedom.

Andrea Rosal was freed Monday night following the dismissal of the criminal charges filed against her by the government.

Col. Noel Detoyato, Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office chief, said the military would submit to the procedures of the court.

Following her arrest in a suspected NPA safehouse in Caloocan City in March 2014, Andrea, who was eight months pregnant at the time, was detained at a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Bicutan, Taguig and was charged with murder, attempted murder and kidnapping. Her daughter, who was born premature, died at the Philippine General Hospital on May 17.

Detoyato said the military has proof that Andrea is an NPA leader, but could not defy the court ruling unless she is facing other criminal charges.

He said the military would also continue its operations against communist rebels, adding they could not guarantee that Andrea would not be arrested again if she decides to rejoin the underground movement.

 Kristina Conti of the National Union of People’s Lawyers said they are considering filing countercharges against Andrea’s accusers and those who imprisoned and maltreated her.

Conti said they are mulling filing complaints for malicious prosecution against those responsible for sending Andrea to jail. She said they plan to revive the charges filed against BJMP jail warden Senior Inspector Ellen Barrios, doctor Jaime Claveria and lawyer Crisyrel Awe for forcibly taking Andrea out of the hospital to bring her to Camp Bagong Diwa.  – Jaime Laude, Robertzon Ramirez