NPA releases 3 more cops

SURIGAO CITY, Philippines – The New People’s Army (NPA) released yesterday three more policemen held captive since July last year in Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-l in Surigao del Norte.

The NPA also freed an employee of their police station following the first round of peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front in Oslo, Norway this week.

Released were PO2 Caleb Sinaca, PO3 Jayroll Bagayas, SPO3 Santiago Lamanilao and non-uniformed personnel Rodrigo Angob, all of the Malimono municipal police station.

The four were abducted for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs and gambling in Malimono and Surigao City, according to the NDF.

They were turned over to a religious group by “Ka Edroy,” a political officer of the Guerilla Front 16 of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command of the CPP-NPA-NDF at around 3 p.m. in a makeshift stage set on top of the hill in Sitio Brazil.

Ka Edroy is reportedly the son of Jorge Madlos, leader of the NPA in the Caraga region and spokesperson of the NPA-Mindanao.

The other day, the NPA released two police officers in Lupon, Davao Oriental.