One of 4 abducted tribal leaders released

From ABS-CBN (Aug 16): One of 4 abducted tribal leaders released
 

The New People's Army (NPA) has released one of the four tribal leaders abducted in Davao del Norte, the 10th Infantry Division said.

10ID spokesperson 1st Lt. Alex Cabales said in a phone interview that Datu Kulumpot Dalon was brought to the residence of barangay captain Jose Baon of Barangay San Jose, San Fernando in Bukidnon Thursday morning.

The 70-year-old Langilan-Manobo tribal leader was then brought by the Army to the hospital for a check-up, before he was brought to the police for his official statement.

Datu Kalumpot and three others -- Datu Danilo Angcomog, Datu Laris Landakay and Datu Jovanie Angcomog -- were abducted by the NPA in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on August 1. They supposedly went to Talaingod to settle a tribal conflict.

The military believes the tribal leaders were abducted in order to force them to retract their affidavits and statements in a video documentary where they revealed that they were part of a group of indigenous people who were promised a meeting with President Benigno Aquino,III, Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in a dialogue Davao City.

They also revealed that they were promised by progressive group leaders with goods and cash in exchange for their participation in the dialogue. They likewise said they were brought to Haran compound in Madapo Hills in Davao City, where they were presented as evacuees allegedly forced out of their homes by ongoing military operations.

In an effort to rescue the hostages, the military has intensified its pursuit operations within the boundaries of San Fernando, Bukidnon and Talaingon in Davao del NOrte that resulted in an encounter Friday morning between the 68th IB troops and the NPA's Front 55 under Kumander Jose. The army reported that there were no casualties on their side.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/08/16/15/one-4-abducted-tribal-leaders-released