ZAMBOANGA CITY — The New People’s Army on Thursday ordered its forces to free the three government soldiers and a militiaman the outlawed group had abducted in Compostela Valley in the southern Philippines. Communist insurgents are holding Army Corporals Marcial Bawagan, Ariel Asumo, Eduardo Alcala and government militiaman Victor Pitogo, who the rebels seized in Mawab town n May 12, and investigated on charges of human rights violations and for conducting counter-revolutionary campaign in the province.
Rigoberto Sanchez, a spokesman for the NPA’s Merardo Arce Command, said there is a probable cause to hold the prisoners, but the MAC-NPA has considered the appeals.
"…In consideration of the humanitarian appeals for their release, the MAC-NPA has ordered the NPA custodial unit to release Prisoners of War Corporal Marcial B. Bawagan (SN#794130), Corporal Ariel P. Asumo (SN#803445), Corporal Eduardo Alcala (SN#806489) and Civilian Active Auxiliary (member) Victor Pitogo (SN#006279) subject to the actual military situation on the ground," Sanchez said.
Government troops have mounted fresh operations to rescue the hostages, but it was unknown whether the military would order a halt in the efforts to rescue the captives.
The NPA earlier warned troops against wandering near their stronghold so as not to endanger the prisoners’ lives. "This utmost concern is currently being considered by the NPA so as to ensure the safe and orderly undertaking of the release. Major General Carlos Holganza must come to his senses, and face the fact that 10th Infantry Division operations have failed and order a suspension of military operations in the areas of Pantukan, Mabini, Maco and Mawab," Sanchez said, referring to the towns where military operations are being conducted.
"As it is now, only the 10th Infantry Division's continuing, but failed, military operation stands in the way of the fulfillment of the NPA's humanitarian act that will effect the return of the prisoners of war to their families," Sanchez said. The rebels are fighting the past four decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. — LBG/RSJ
