Army, police vow to save abducted town police officer

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): Army, police vow to save abducted town police officer

Government troops and police vow to save the police officer abducted by the New People’s Army (NPA) last week.

Police Regional Office (PRO) XI spokesperson Sr. Inspector Catherine dela Rey said the Lupon Municipal Police Station is now coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to locate and eventually rescue SPO2 George Rupinta, the Municipal Executive Senior Police Officer of Lupon Municipal Police Station.

Rupinta was taken by the 6th Pulang Bagani Company and the Guerilla Front 18 of the NPA’s Subregional Operations Command on June 10.

Dela Rey condemned the abduction of Rupinta.

NPA-Southern Mindanao spokesperson Rigoberto Sanchez said Rupinta will face trial reportedly for his “anti-people activities.”

“The statement of our Regional Director is SPO2 Rupinta was abducted by lawless elements who claimed to be NPA on trumped-up accusations. He is not a prisoner-of-war but a victim of kidnapping,” dela Rey said.

Dela Rey said Rupinta has no record of abuses to the community which was also vouched by station commander Chief. Insp. Miguelito Cabahug.

“Siguro, na-tripan lang pud ni nila si SPO 2 Rupinta (Maybe, the NPA just abducted SPO2 Rupinta without any reason),” she said.

Based on police report, Rupinta was last seen driving his motorcycle on June 9.

In the morning of June 10, an abandoned motorcycle in Purok Rosas, Barangay Langka, Lupon was reported to the station.

Upon verification, it was confirmed that the motorcycle belonged to the victim.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996138