4ID welcomes two comrades in arms

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27): 4ID welcomes two comrades in arms

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro – Army’s Fourth Infantry Division welcomed anew its two comrades in arms.

Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, provincial governor of Misamis Oriental through his provincial administrator Jun Pacamalan formally turned-over the two soldiers to Lt. Col. Lennon G Babilonia, commanding officer, 8th Infantry Battalion at the Bishop’s residence, Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City on December 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Private First Class Mamel T Cinches and Jerrel H Yorong (unarmed and wearing civilian clothes) were kidnapped by four fully armed New People’s Army NPA members of SECOM-89 while they were conducting Bayanihan Activities for Peace and Development, a program that will bring the government services closer to the people, at barangay Bontongon, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon last August 22, 2014.

A medical check-up was followed by the station doctor afterwhich the soldiers rode the military ambulance and headed to 4ID headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro city with their families. They will be given further medical attention in the military hospital to ensure their fast health recovery.  

Col Jesse Alvarez, commanding officer, 403rd Infantry Brigade, said they are grateful to the almighty that the two gallant soldiers have been released and are now back in our organization; and that they would also like to thank for their families to the fortitude they have showed while their loved ones were still in captivity.

The soldiers will have a thorough medical check-up and will be given the needed care in order to bring back their normal state of health, he added.

MGen Oscar T Lactao, 4ID commander said they would like to thank all the stakeholders who have been involved in the negotiation that led to the release of the soldiers.

The Bayanihan spirit still lives in each and every Filipino. With the concerted efforts of the church, the local government units (LGU’s), families and the whole community, we have been successful in the peaceful return of the soldiers, MGen Lactao said.

He added that they also encourage the NPA’s to be part of the Bayanihan spirit and together we will end this senseless armed struggle and help in the eradication of poverty in our country.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1461419846819/4id-welcomes-two-comrades-in-arms