NPA owns up to mayor's kidnap

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines - The Menardo Arce Command of the New People’s Army’s Southern Mindanao Regional Command operating in Davao and Compostela Valley has admitted responsibility for the kidnapping of Lingig, Surigao del Sur Mayor Henry Luna Dano and his two military escorts last Aug. 6.

In a statement, Menardo Arce Command spokesman Rigoberto Sanchez said Dano is being tried by the NPA’s “people’s court” for his alleged direct participation in the recruitment of “anti-revolutionary forces” such as CAFGU personnel, having a private army, and his active role in some military activities.

Sanchez gave assurance though that Dano is safe and his family has nothing to worry about. He, however, did not mention the condition of the two captive soldiers.