DAVAO CITY – Communist insurgents freed six out of over a dozen soldiers and militias they captured in southern Philippines and at the same time raided a military post and killing 2 soldiers and wounding another in the restive region.
Army Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said rebels released militias Jurian Gaviola, Marson and Hermito Iligan, Bienvinido Lamion, Eddie Tindoy and Sanny Malobay in Agusan del Norte’s Bayugan City late Thursday. But seven other militias and two soldiers remain captive in the province.
The hostages were seized by rebels in December last year following a firefight in Sibagat town, according to Balagtey.
He said the rebels released the militias to a third party facilitator, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, and handed them over to the 401st Infantry Brigade also in the town. “The release was brought about by the pressure of the relentless military operations to rescue the kidnapped troops,” he said.
Balagtey said despite the release of the hostages, rescue operation still continue in the province. He said Maj. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr, the regional military commander, ordered the operation. “As of this time, our units in the area are continuously conducting military operations to rescue the remaining troops who are still being held and used as human shield and propaganda subject by the NPA,” Balagtey said.
This was confirmed by Santos, who also branded the release as rebel propaganda. “We assure our communities that this will not affect our effort and commitment in protecting our people,” he said.
A rebel spokesperson, Ka Malem Mabini, said NPA fighters also raided late Thursday a patrol base of the 1st Special Forces - Civilian Active Auxiliary in Dalwangan village in Bukidnon’s Malaybalay City and killed two soldiers and wounded another.
Mabini said rebel forces also seized 7 assorted automatic rifles from soldiers. “In this military action, it was confirmed that two officers of the Special Forces were killed while one soldier was also wounded. The Red armies also seized seven different high-powered rifles from the soldiers,” he said. Balagtey confirmed the fighting and said 4 rebels were reported slain in the clash. He said about 30 rebels attacked the patrol base, sparking a firefight.
He said an 11-man army team was constructing a patrol base in the village when rebels assaulted the soldiers, who fought the attackers and eventually fled and leaving behind 2 automatic rifles and two landmines. “Pursuit operation is going now,” he said.
The rebels have been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of a separate state in the country. Peace talks with Manila collapsed last year after rebel negotiators rejected President Duterte’s demand for the NPA to sign a cease-fire agreement. The NPA said it will only agree on the truce if Duterte frees over 500 rebels languishing in prisons across the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Army Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said rebels released militias Jurian Gaviola, Marson and Hermito Iligan, Bienvinido Lamion, Eddie Tindoy and Sanny Malobay in Agusan del Norte’s Bayugan City late Thursday. But seven other militias and two soldiers remain captive in the province.
The hostages were seized by rebels in December last year following a firefight in Sibagat town, according to Balagtey.
He said the rebels released the militias to a third party facilitator, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, and handed them over to the 401st Infantry Brigade also in the town. “The release was brought about by the pressure of the relentless military operations to rescue the kidnapped troops,” he said.
Balagtey said despite the release of the hostages, rescue operation still continue in the province. He said Maj. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr, the regional military commander, ordered the operation. “As of this time, our units in the area are continuously conducting military operations to rescue the remaining troops who are still being held and used as human shield and propaganda subject by the NPA,” Balagtey said.
This was confirmed by Santos, who also branded the release as rebel propaganda. “We assure our communities that this will not affect our effort and commitment in protecting our people,” he said.
A rebel spokesperson, Ka Malem Mabini, said NPA fighters also raided late Thursday a patrol base of the 1st Special Forces - Civilian Active Auxiliary in Dalwangan village in Bukidnon’s Malaybalay City and killed two soldiers and wounded another.
Mabini said rebel forces also seized 7 assorted automatic rifles from soldiers. “In this military action, it was confirmed that two officers of the Special Forces were killed while one soldier was also wounded. The Red armies also seized seven different high-powered rifles from the soldiers,” he said. Balagtey confirmed the fighting and said 4 rebels were reported slain in the clash. He said about 30 rebels attacked the patrol base, sparking a firefight.
He said an 11-man army team was constructing a patrol base in the village when rebels assaulted the soldiers, who fought the attackers and eventually fled and leaving behind 2 automatic rifles and two landmines. “Pursuit operation is going now,” he said.
The rebels have been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of a separate state in the country. Peace talks with Manila collapsed last year after rebel negotiators rejected President Duterte’s demand for the NPA to sign a cease-fire agreement. The NPA said it will only agree on the truce if Duterte frees over 500 rebels languishing in prisons across the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Thank you so much for visiting our website. Your small donation will ensure the continued operation of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper. Thank you again for supporting us. BPI: 952 5815649 Landbank: 195 113 9935
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