Duterte meets cop freed by NPA

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  — President Duterte received last night the policeman who was freed by New People’s Army rebels last Friday after being held captive for three months.

The President welcomed Senior Police Officer 2 George Canete Rupinta at the Matina Enclaves here.

Rupinta was turned over by the NPA rebels to local officials in Compostela Valley. 

The release of Rupinta took place after the suspension of peace negotiations between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines/National Democratic Front.

Rupinta was accompanied by his wife and only son during the meeting with the President last night. 

The policeman was captured by the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Company and the Gerilya Front 18 last June 9 in the town of Lupon, Davao Oriental.

The NPA rebels placed Rupinta under investigation “for the anti-people activities of his police unit in Lupon.”

Rupinta reportedly had an illness, which was a major concern of his family while he was in captivity.  – With Christina Mendez