NPA’s hooded armed men abduct army’s “peace, development” workers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 27): NPA’s hooded armed men abduct army’s “peace, development” workers

Four hooded armed men of the New People’s Army (NPA) abducted two unarmed enlisted personnel of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8thIB) of the Philippine Army.

Army’s PFC Jerrel H. Yorong and PFC Marnel T. Cinches, wearing civilian clothes, were reported kidnapped around 4:00 p.m, August 22, 2014, while on their way to barangay Bontongon in Impasugong town to facilitate a livelihood project for the people.

Lt. Col. Lennon Babilonia, 8thIB commanding officer, said the soldiers were kidnapped in the area where the late Impasugong town mayor Mario Okinlay was murdered by NPA early last month.

The two soldiers are members of Peace and Development Team who provide assistance in conducting community-based initiatives identified by the locals themselves in tandem with the local government unit (LGU).

“Obviously, the NPAs are against this ‘peace and development’ program of the government. This prompts them to sow fear to those who support and joined in the bandwagon for peace, which is part of our ‘Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan (working together for peace)’ program,” Babilonia said.

The 403rd Infantry Brigade (403rdIB) and the 8thIB of the Philippine Army are now conducting rescue and recovery operations to locate the two missing soldiers.

Col. Francisco L. Pabayo, 403rdIB Commander, meanwhile, said they are now collaborating with religious groups, IP leaders, LGUs, media, and civil society organizations, among others, to help them in gathering information regarding the abduction by reporting to the nearest army unit or police station

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1501409212729