Female members of the New People's Army resting after a long hike to a hinterland community in Surigao del Sur. Photographed by Erwin Mascariñas, InterAksyon.
The New People's Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the abduction of a police officer in the town of Carmen in Surigao del Sur last July 5, stating that their action was related to illegal drugs activity in the area.
According to Ka Sandara of the NPA, they abducted PO1 Richard Yu Jr., outside his house to investigate the police officer regarding his alleged involvement in illegal drugs in the area.
Ka Sandara added that the rebel movement is still unsure as to how long they will be keeping the police officer, as this will depend on the outcome of the investigation, even as she assured the family of Yu that he is well taken care by the guerilla group.
PO1 Richard V. Yu, 32, is assigned to the Carmen Municipal Police Station, and was taken away by heavily armed men while tending to his livestock at around 6:25 in the morning of July 5, in Sitio Hubason, Barangay San Vicente, Carmen town, Surigao del Sur.
Michael Escuyos, municipal council member and designated spokesperson of the Crisis Management Committee of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Carmen, said authorities are confident Yu will be released shortly.
"We strongly believe that Yu, will not be found guilty of the allegation, and we hope he will be released soon back to his family. The family was also relieved to have heard the statement of the NPA that he is well taken care for and that they are also confident that he will be released unharmed," said Escuyos.
Escuyos pointed out that Yu was also given a chance to contact his wife and parents.
The family of Yu has refused to be interviewed by the media for the fear that it might complicate the situation and undermine the safety of the abducted police officer.
The family, nevertheless, expressed concern for the ongoing military operation in pursuit of the rebels in the hinterland and mountain areas covering Carmen, Madrid, Lanuza and other parts of Surigao del Sur, fearing that this might compromise the safety of the abducted police officer.
Captain Welmar Ladlad, Civil Military Operations Officer of the Philippine Army 16th Infantry Battalion, indicated that the hot pursuit operation would still continue.
http://interaksyon.com/article/130153/npa-claims-its-abduction-of-surigao-del-sur-cop-is-drug-related
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