By Lilian Mellejor/PNA
DAVAO CITY — Six of the 15 government forces abducted by the New People’s Army late last year were released on Valentine’s Day, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said.
Col. Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom spokesperson, on Friday identified those released as Jurian B. Gaviola; Marson C. Iligan; Bienvinido A. Lamion; Eddie J. Tindoy; Sanny G. Malobay; and Hermito M. Iligan, all members of the Auxillary Unit of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).
They were released at about 6 p.m. Thursday through a third-party facilitator and were subsequently turned over to the 401st Brigade under the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
Balagtey said the freed CAFGU members will be given time to talk with their immediate families before undergoing medical check-up and debriefing.
Meanwhile, Major Gen. Felimon Santos, Eastmincom commander, said the relentless operations of the military in Agusan del Sur have forced the NPA to release the six militiamen.
He said their release will not stop the troops from pursuing communists rebels as two soldiers and seven CAFGU members remain as their hostages.
On Dec. 19, 2018, NPA rebels, who attacked the New Tubigon Patrol base in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, abducted the two soldiers and 13 CAFGU members.
“Our units in the area are continuously conducting military operations to rescue the remaining troops who are still being held and used as human shields and propaganda subject by the NPA,” Santos said.
Santos emphasized that the abduction of the troops is part of the communist propaganda of “kidnap for presscon” to force the military to stop security operations and allow them to continue their recruitment, carry out atrocities against communities, and project that they are still a force to reckon with.
He, however, assured it will not affect the government’s efforts and commitment to protect the communities and their right to live peacefully.
