Rebels seize 2 civilians in Tandag City

From  the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 11): Rebels seize 2 civilians in Tandag City

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Some 60 fully armed New People's Army (NPA) rebels abducted two members of Bantay Banwa (Bantay Kalikasan) group on Friday in Barangay Pangi, this city, approximately six kilometers from the Police Provincial Office (PPO).

PPO PCR officer PCInsp. Noel Naranjo identified the victims as Ramil Aguirre, 35 years old and Jesus Matin-ao, 50 years old.

Initial investigation conducted by the authorities revealed that the victims were heading towards the coco lands when they were approached by 60 fully armed men and women with AK-47 and M16 firearms dressed in full combat “army” uniform and wearing boots led by alias “Nicko” of Guerilla Front 30 under the command of “Ka Juagpao.”  Said victims were then brought towards the remote portion of the area.

After few hours, the captors reportedly released Jesus Matin-ao, but Ramil Aguirre is still in the hands of the abductors for the reason that he was an alleged informant of the government troops.

Pursuit operations are still underway to rescue the victim, as of posting.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741468196975/rebels-seize-2-civilians-in-tandag-city