DAVAO CITY – Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said the soldier and the militiaman who escaped from the custodial force of the New People’s Army (NPA) deserve promotion for their bravery.
The troops, Corporal Johannes Parreño of the Army’s 28th Infantry Battalion and Civilian Army Auxiliary Dindo Sagayno, were presented to Go by the Eastern Mindanao Command on Tuesday afternoon.
In a press briefing, Go said that during the NPA’s release of a police officer in North Cotabato last month, he also asked for Parreño and Sagayno’s freedom. Go was thankful that Parreno and Sagayno were treated well by their abductors.
“I just want to reiterate that the President (Rodrigo Duterte) has a program for those NPA members who want to surrender,” he said.
Parreño escaped from the NPA following pursuit operation in Barangay Lambog, Manay, Davao Oriental around 11 pm on Friday, August 17. On the other hand, Sagayno escaped on July 6 when the operating units of 701st Brigade encountered the abductors at Langgawisan1, Barangay Ompao Tarragona.
“I will recommend to the President if they will be given award or promotion, at the same time, Lapu-Lapu award for their bravery,” Go said referring to Parreño and Sagayno. They were abducted while on their way back to their headquarters in Mati City after attending a school activity in Taragona town, Davao Oriental, on June 10.
Sagayno said he was able to escape because no one was guarding him when the NPA encountered government troops under the Army’s 67th Infantry Battalion.
Lt. Col Jacob Thadeus Obligado, 67IB commander, said his troops launched the operation following information from locals on the presence of NPA rebels in Manay, Davao Oriental.
Obligado said it is very rare that NPA captives are able to gain freedom from their captors without any negotiation.
“This shows the effectiveness of our military operations backed up by community support,” he added. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)
