Captive cop’s kin seek SOMO

DAVAO CITY, Philippines –The relatives of Police Officer 3 Ruben Nojapa Jr. have asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for a suspension of military operations against communist rebels to pave the way for  the policeman’s safe release at the soonest possible time.

New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Mainit, Nabunturan kidnapped Nojapa of the Nabunturan police in Compostela Valley last Monday.

Nojapa’s relatives sought the help of the group, Sowing the Seeds of Peace, led by Bishop Delfin Callao Jr. of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente to negotiate his release.

“We value the trust of PO3 Nojapa’s family in our movement and we assure them of our earnest support,” Callao said.

Callao noted that their group had been instrumental in the release of other NPA hostages.