Army believes captive soldiers in Sultan Kudarat still alive; diplomatic efforts underway

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7): Army believes captive soldiers in Sultan Kudarat still alive; diplomatic efforts underway

Military officials here believed the two infantrymen seized by communist New Peoples Army last Wednesday here are still alive and considered prisoners of war, an Army lieutenant on Tuesday said.

Citing intelligence information, 2Lt. Silver Belvis, speaking for the 39th Infantry Battalion, said the two soldiers, Sgt. Solaiman Calocop and Private 1st Class Samuel Garay, are being kept in the mountain-borders of Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.

Belvis said the local government of Columbio, police, military and religious leaders have formed a crisis management committee to help save the prisoners of war.

"Our intelligence information showed the two are being treated well and we continue to hope they will be reunited with their loved ones anytime soon," Belvis said.

Residents in the villages have been providing information that the two are still alive.

Sgt. Calacop and Garay were on board a motorbike heading to the 39th IB detachment in Columbio from Makilala, North Cotabato on Feb. 1 when about 10 communist rebels flagged them down in Barangay Telefas, Columbio.

They were disarmed and taken into custody by members of the NPA Guerilla Front 72 Mindanao Region Committee.

The crisis management committee has sent a manifesto to the local leaders of Guerilla Front 72, to the office of Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu and to President Duterte seeking their help for the immediate release of the captives.

Belvis said the NPAs have not issued any statement about the abduction.

Garay's wife has appealed for the immediate release of her husband saying he as two children waiting for him at home.

The Army has not conducted any major operation but efforts are underway through diplomatic means.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=961663