4 cops kidnapped by rebels freed

MANILA, Philippines - The four policemen kidnapped by communist rebels in Surigao del Norte early this month were freed yesterday afternoon.

Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman Capt. Alberto Caber said the four policemen were released in an undisclosed location in Agusan del Norte.

“The four policemen will undergo medical check-up and stress debriefing,” Caber said.

The policemen, identified as PO3 Vice Calubag Concon, PO1s Rey O’Niel Morales, Joen B. Zabala and Edito Roquino, were taken captive by communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during a raid on a police station in Alegria, Surigao del Norte last July 10.

Their release came after the military and communist rebels declared a five-day ceasefire in Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte in the effort to facilitate the release.

Caber said the ceasefire took effect last July 27 and covered the towns of Placer, Bacuag, Tubod, Gigakit, Claver and Alegria all of Surigao del Norte and Santiago, Kitcharao and Jabonga all of Agusan del Norte.

He said the ceasefire temporarily prevents the military from conducting deliberate offensive operations against the NPA.