NPA rebels capture village execs

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 15): NPA rebels capture village execs

Two village officials were seized by fleeing New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents Friday afternoon in Sarangani province, the military said.

But Capt. Rey Balibagoso, spokesman for the Army’s 102nd Brigade, said the victims were released unharmed less than 24 hours after they were forcibly taken by the NPA.

In a text message, Balibagoso identified the victims as Terso Manambay and Ballota Tamalon, both kagawad at Barangay San Juan, Malungon, Sarangani province.

Balibagoso said the two were abducted by armed NPA insurgents under Manuel Garduque alias “Dodong Sidlak”, “Lucas” around 4:45 p.m. Friday.

“The victims were brought by said NPAs to Sitio Mahayahay, approximately 20 kilometers from Barangay San Juan,” said the Army spokesman.

On Saturday at around 10 a.m., Balibagoso said they received information that Manambay and Tamalon were released by the NPA.

The official added that based on their assessment, the victims were used as human shield by the insurgents to evade government security forces who were then conducting operation in the area.

Balibagoso further said the Army is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Malungon mayor Bong Constantino, and San Juan barangay captain Veloso Palacay for the investigation of the incident and filing of appropriate charges against the rebel group.

http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-rebels-capture-village-execs/