Manila: The Philippine Army: commended the 203rd Infantry Brigade for rescuing a 24-year-old Filipino-American woman, Chantal Anicoche, who was reported missing following a clash between government troops and New People's Army (NPA) remnants in Occidental Mindoro on January 1.

According to Philippines News Agency, Anicoche was found hiding in a hole near the encounter site at Sitio Mamara, Barangay Cabacao, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, on January 8. Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala emphasized that Anicoche's rescue reveals the false narratives spread by communist terrorists, who accuse government troops of violating International Law during their missions.

Col. Dema-ala stated that Anicoche's case highlights the communist terrorist group's recruitment tactics, which exploit and endanger young individuals. The clash also resulted in the death of a female student who had turned into an NPA rebel.

Militant groups previously claimed that Anicoche, a graduate of BS Psychology from the University of Maryland, and the deceased were in the region conducting research among farmers and indigenous people. Following her rescue, Army troopers transported Anicoche from the mountains to Abra de Ilog, where municipal health workers examined her condition.

Anicoche did not suffer any injuries apart from insect bites. Dema-ala assured that the army remains committed to neutralizing security threats and protecting civilians under all circumstances.