NDFP asks GRP panel to declare 10-day SOMO for release of 4 POWs

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): NDFP asks GRP panel to declare 10-day SOMO for release of 4 POWs

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Thursday urged the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) panel to declare a 10-day suspension of military operations (SOMO) in Mindanao to facilitate the release of four soldiers and a policeman taken by the New People's Army.

The NDFP said if the GRP adheres to the invitation of the communist rebels, they are willing to release the four remaining POWs in their custody.

This is one of the four conditions set by President Rodrigo Duterte before he allowed the GRP panel to continue the fourth round of talks in The Netherlands.

The three other conditions were the signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement; a stop to the alleged extortion activities of rebels; and the non-recognition of any territorial claim made by the communists.

Captured by the New People’s Army were PFC Edwin Salan in Alegria, Surigao del Norte on January 29; Sgt. Solaiman Calucop captured in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on February 2; PFC Samuel Garay, also captured in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on February 2, all members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; and PO2 Jerome Natividad, captured in Talakag, Bukidnon on February 9, a member of the Philippine National Police.

In a press statement, the NDF said the suspension of law enforcement operations should cover the provinces of Bukidnon - Talakag (15 barrios); Lantapan (14 brgys.); Baungon (10 brgys); Malaybalay City (Tampi in Mt. Kitanglad, 10 brgys): Pangantucan (10 brgys); Kalilangan (5 brgys); Valencia City (near Mt. Kalatungan, 10 brgys).

Province of Surigao del Norte - Surigao City, Alegria, Bacuag, Gigaquit, Claver, Placer, Mainit. Province of Agusan del Norte – Kitcharao town and Parts of Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and South Cotabato.

The NDF said the release of the prisoners of war (POWs) was in line with its commitment on February 19, as regards the NPA's release of six uniformed personnel in their custody as a "positive gesture" for the fourth round of peace talks with the GRP.

On March 25, the NPA released two of the six, namely CAFGU Active Auxiliary personnel Rene Doller and Carl Mark Nucos in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

The NDF said the four other captives would have been released earlier but continuous military operations against the NPA in the provinces hampered their freedom and placed their lives and their captors in jeopardy.

"Yet, despite the difficult circumstances, the NDFP and the respective NPA commands continue to work closely with the members of the Third Party Facilitators and Independent Humanitarian Mission (TPFIHM) for the release of the remaining four POWs," the NDFP stated.

The NDF said a positive response from the GRP on the matter creates the "necessary favorable condition for the safe, expeditious and orderly release of the POWs."

"The positive response of the GRP will also further the positive thrust of the ongoing round of negotiations," it added.

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