NPA releases 36 gold-rush miners but still keeps 3 in Compostela Valley

From InterAksyon (May 5): NPA releases 36 gold-rush miners but still keeps 3 in Compostela Valley

The New People’s Army (NPA) has released 36 gold-rush miners in two batches since Sunday in Mabini, Compostela Valley, Capt. Alberto Caber, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said Monday.

“Three civilians, all males, remain in the custody of the NPA using them as human shields,” Caber said.

On Sunday, the rebels released the first batch of 26 at around 3 a.m. and the second batch of 10 at around 4 p.m.

The rebels, members of the Front Committee 2 (F2) and Pulang Bagani Command 6 (PBC6), were still holding three captives in Sitio Tabon, Barangay Panamin.

Lt. Col. Michael Logico, commanding officer of the 66th Infantry Battalion, said all the released miners were escorted to their homes in Barangay Mahayahay in Maragusan town.

“All the miners were from Maragusan where they were originally abducted on May 3 at around 10:20 a.m. by the rebels (who) used them as human shields (against) pursuing soldiers,” Logico said.

The NPA has yet to issue an official statement why they held the gold-rush miners.

Earlier, Logico said the military had to stop artillery fires against NPA positions upon learning that the rebels had civilian captives with them.

Local officials were exerting efforts to negotiate with the rebels to release their three remaining captives.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/86079/npa-releases-36-gold-rush-miners-but-still-keeps-3-in-compostela-valley