THE National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) confirmed that Filipino-American Chantal Anicoche has departed the Philippines following a lawful investigation.
The 23-year-old was found alive near the site of a Jan. 1 armed encounter between government forces and a unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Occidental Mindoro, which left one student dead and another missing.
She received medical attention and was processed in accordance with Philippine laws.
Anicoche’s departure was authorized by the Bureau of Immigration.
NTF-Elcac Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said Anicoche admitted traveling to the Philippines with the intention of linking up with the NPA.
She confirmed she was present in an NPA camp in Abra de Ilog during an encounter that wounded two government soldiers.
She also acknowledged involvement with foreign organizations associated with the Communist Party of the Philippines’ international support network.
“The Order to Leave is an immigration measure grounded in law. It is not a declaration of innocence, nor an endorsement of narratives portraying this case as political persecution or heroism,” Torres said.
The NTF-Elcac stressed that both the CPP and NPA are designated terrorist organizations under Philippine law and recognized as such by other countries, including the United States.
Torres noted that Anicoche’s case highlights the risks faced by young people, including foreign nationals, who are drawn into armed conflict zones under the guise of advocacy or international solidarity.
“These pathways intersect with recruitment, radicalization, and exposure to armed violence that place lives at serious risk,” he said.
With Anicoche’s departure, the task force said responsibility for any further engagement now rests with her home country and family, while the Philippine government has fulfilled its obligation to handle the matter lawfully, transparently and humanely.
Torres warned against the distortion of political narratives, emphasizing the government acted with restraint and respected Anicoche’s dignity.
“The task force remains committed to exposing recruitment networks linked to armed groups, protecting communities, and building peace through law, accountability and development. No political narrative is worth a life, and no ideology justifies placing young people in harm’s way,” Torres said.
