NPA to release 3 abducted cops in January —report

From GMA News (Dec 28): NPA to release 3 abducted cops in January —report

After releasing four soldiers it captured earlier this year, the communist New People's Army may release in January three police officers it abducted last November, a Mindanao news site reported Saturday.

National Democratic Front Mindanao spokesman Jorge Madlos also said they are serious in restarting stalled peace talks with the government, according to a report on MindaNews.

The report quoted Madlos as saying they will release PO1 Democrito Bondoc Polvorosa, PO1 Marichel Unclara Contemplo, and PO1 Junrie Amper, who the NPA abducted in Surigao del Norte.

Madlos made the claim at a gathering in Marihatag in Surigao del Sur to mark the Communist Party of the Philippines' 46th anniversary last Friday.

Last Friday, the NPA freed Pfc. Marnel Tagalugon Cinches and Pfc. Jerrel Yorong in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon, he said.

The NPA also released last Dec. 21 Pfc. Alvin Ricarte and Cpl. Benjamin Samano to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

For his part, NDF peace panel vice chairman Fidel Agcaoili – who was at the gathering – talked about restarting the peace talks with the government soon.

The MindaNews report also said former agrarian reform secretary Hernani Braganza, who had taken part in the peace negotiations during the Gloria Arroyo administration, attended the anniversary rites here but did not go onstage.

It said Braganza is reportedly involved in back-channel efforts to restart the peace talks.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/396354/news/nation/npa-to-release-3-abducted-cops-in-january-report