THE Eastern Mindanao Command on Tuesday dismissed proposal of the New People's Army to release four captured jail officers, a town mayor and his two soldier escorts in exchange for the freedom of political detainees.
In a press conference at the Task Force Davao (TFD) headquarters Tuesday, military spokesperson Leopoldo Galon Jr. said the rebel's proposal is non-negotiable.
The seven captives, including Lingig Mayor Henry Dano of Surigao del Sur, are still in the custody of a certain unit of the NPA, Galon said.
"Hindi namin alam kung anong unit ito kasi there are reports na ipinasa daw nila (abductors) sa area group ni Ka Parago," said Galon, adding that they are still validating reports that the hostages are with an NPA group led by a certain Ka Ryan.
The captives are in good condition though, he added.
Galon said just as the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel condemns the hostage-taking, they will also not allow prisoners swap.
"Ang gusto kasi nila ay umalis kami at itigil ‘yung operations namin, ang Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP), which is a no-no," Galon said.
He added that the Peace and Development Outreach Program is a big help in communities. The NPA wants it stopped for fear of an organizational collapse.
Galon said the military supports the government's peace efforts especially on the ongoing peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front. (Ivy C. Tejano)
