Church leader hopeful of soldiers’ release

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Oct 24): Church leader hopeful of soldiers’ release

BOTH the New People’s Army (NPA) and the military have expressed desire to hasten the release of two government soldiers held captive by the Maoist insurgents for more than two months already, a church leader said Friday.

Bishop Felixberto Calang, of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), said he sees no problem why Private First Class Marnel Cinches and Private First Class Jerrel Yorong should not be let go by their captors in a few weeks’ time.

Calang, a member of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (Pepp), one of the groups that acts as a mediator in the ongoing talks aimed at releasing the two soldiers, said Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is very open to this, but he made it clear that the military is in position to negotiate with the NPA.

Although, he added, Gazmin explained to him and Pepp chair Archbishop Antonio Ledesma in a October 16 meeting with the DND secretary that the “practical advice” regarding the suspension of military operations (Somo) leading to the eventual release of the captured soldiers will come from the local commanders, since it is they who are familiar with the situation on the ground.

Gazmin was referring to Major General Cesar Lactao, commanding general of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID), and Colonel Jesse Alvarez of the 403rd Infantry Brigade.

Bukidnon, where Cinches and Yorong were taken at gunpoint by the guerrillas last August 22 falls under Alvarez’s area of responsibility.

Coordination

Major Christian Uy, 4ID spokesman, said in a separate interview Friday that Lactao has already tasked Alvarez to handle this particular situation.

Uy said there is a continuous coordination between Alvarez and the third party advocates in addressing the issue.

Calang added that sitting down and discussing with the NPA about the release of the soldiers is the role of the local crisis committee headed by Governor Jose Maria Zubiri of Bukidnon.

Calang said that in a meeting he attended with the local crisis committee, Pepp leaders and military officials in Bukidnon on Thursday, Zubiri relayed to the group that the NPA has maintained its request for a 10-day Somo so it could facilitate the turnover of the captive soldiers without hitches.

Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro tried to get Zubiri’s side through a text message sent to his staff, but no reply had been received at press time.

Since the military has maintained it can only enforce Somo for three days, Calang said he is hopeful that something could be worked out from this differing stand.

“Hopefully, within the week, we will get the result. We are hopeful the decision is mutual and beneficial to both parties,” Calang told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

He said he is not pessimistic since Gazmin has assured Pepp he will order a Somo, but that he (Gazmin) needs to hear first from the local commanders (Lactao and Alvarez) their recommendation before he could give his decision.

‘Fruitful meeting’

He said even Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno, the incumbent Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chair, is also doing his share in fast-tracking the soldier’s release.

He said Moreno and Lactao reportedly met a few days ago and that the result of the meeting was “fruitful.”

Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro tried to get in touch with Moreno to ask him details about his meeting with Lactao, but failed.

Calang added that Zubiri also told the military that Cinches and Yorong have been taken good care of by the NPA and that the protocols of war are observed in the handling of the two soldiers.

“I think they (NPA) will protect [their captives] since it is not only their families that are involved but the church leaders and local government officials, as well,” he said.

Calang said all their efforts will be in vain if the NPA will not stand by ensuring that Cinches and Yorong are in good physical condition under their care.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/10/24/church-leader-hopeful-soldiers-release-372902