NPA rebels free Davao militiaman

DAVAO CITY – The New People’s Army (NPA) released to two city councilors Wednesday a militiaman whom they had held captive for 42 days.

NPA leader Leonardo Pitao, alias Commander Parago, turned over Rudy Adang to councilors Jimmy Dureza and Leo Avila in a remote area in the city’s Paquibato district.

The NPA’s Pula Bagani Command seized Adang, a barangay councilman, together with fellow militiamen Tony Ligue and Inggo Lintanod while they were on board a jeepney in Barangay Mapula last Jan. 24.

Pitao initially demanded five Armalite rifles in exchange for the release of the three militiamen.

Ligue and Lintanod, however, were able to escape a few days after they were taken hostage, leaving Adang behind.

Col. Eduardo del Rosario, commander of the Army-led Task Force Davao, said Adang’s release was "long overdue."

Pitao reportedly sent word last Tuesday that he was set to free Adang since the militiaman’s offense against the NPA was not that grave compared to that of Ligue and Lintanod.

Pitao would have wanted to turn over Adang to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who instead sent the two councilors on his behalf.