Communist rebels freed Monday three of the four civilians snatched earlier in the boundary of Tandag City and Lanuza town, Surigao del Sur, the military said.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Army's 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion said the New People's Army (NPA) released Wendil Delicuna, Jeffrey Delicuna, and Angelo Duazo who were abducted along with four people last Friday (May 30) in Brgy. Mampi, Lanuza.
Three victims were released on the same day, and the 36IB said the other three were freed following the military's pursuit operations against the rebels.
"Due to the relentless combat and pursuit operation of this unit (36IB) in an attempt to rescue the four kidnapped victims, the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) was forced to release the said kidnapped victims because it hinders their mobility," the 36IB said.
1LT Jonald D. Romorosa, 36IB civil-military operation officer, said the NPA kept the remaining victim--identified as Ryard Badiang--as a human shield from the pursuing government troops.
Lt. Col. Xerxes A. Trinidad, 36IB commander, said the kidnapping incident was the NPA's way of "threatening the community" to "stop their support to the government."
According to Trinidad, the NPA warned the residents of violence if they don't oppose the establishment of a government militia base in the community.
Trinidad called on the NPA to "release the remaining civilian. It is not too late, lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law. Embrace the government in achieving genuine peace and avail the Enhance Comprehensive and Local Integration Program E-CLIP and surrender to the government.”
Col. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, earlier condemned the NPA for resorting to abducting civilians.
“The NPA here in Caraga has degenerated as plain bandits and lowlife terrorists. Said group has perpetrated numerous atrocities particularly kidnapping, arson, the murder of innocent and unarmed civilians, recruitment of minors to bear arms, and ambush of government troops," Licudine said.
"Have these violent acts translated to change and uplifted the people’s lives after fifty (50) years?” The military official said.
NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
"Have these violent acts translated to change and uplifted the people’s lives after fifty (50) years?” The military official said.
NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071544
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