NPA asks Binay to join talks

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 2): NPA asks Binay to join talks

New People’s Army rebels holding Alegria policemen have sent feelers over the weekend that they wanted Vice President Jejomar Binay in the negotiating panel along with the suspension of military operations (SOMO).

Alegria, Surigao del Norte Mayor Dominador Esma Jr, said the twin demands followed the appeal of close relatives and wives of the officers who have been captive for weeks.

Suspected NPA members abducted PO3 Democrito Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel Unclara Contemplo in Barangay Pongtod along the national highway last November 16 bound for Barangay Pungtod aboard a patrol car for a meeting with staff of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and residents for the Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program.

Earlier on November 12, PO1 Jonrey Amper was abducted  at 9:45 a.m. in Malimono, Surigao del Norte while riding his XRM Honda motorcycle in Barangay Bunyasan in Malimono town.

Acting spokesman 1st Lt. Patrick Martinez of the 4th Infantry Division confirmed ongoing joint military and police operations to recover the police officers.

Esma told Manila Standard by phone that the Surigao del Norte Provincial Crisis Committee headed by Governor Sol Folcadilla Matugas has been notified about the alleged NPA request to have Binay in the negotiations.

Last July, Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government, acted as negotiator together with Independiente Filipina Church or IFI priests and nuns that lead to the release by the NPA of four Surigao del Norte policemen.

When  asked  by newsmen and this writer at the Kitcharao Central elementary school in Agusan del Norte where the four lawmen  meet their loved ones, he said he was only a facilitator.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/12/02/npa-asks-binay-to-join-talks/