NPAs free 7 militiamen in Surigao, Agusan

BUTUAN CITY , Philippines– New People’s Army (NPA) rebels released on Wednesday seven government militiamen they kidnapped in separate incidents in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur three days earlier, but authorities have yet to locate two policemen and a civilian still being held captive.

Maj. Leo Bongosia, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, said militiamen Tuloy Libanda, Mario Libanda, Rubio Asalan and Rey Joy Francisco were freed shortly before noon Wednesday in Sitio Don Alejandro, San Luis town, Agusan del Sur.

On the afternoon of the same day, rebels belonging to the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 14 also released three other militiamen – Evangelio Cabodbod, Leonardo Sevellejo Sr., and Danilo Sevellejo – who were snatched in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.

Police are still uncertain on the fate of PO2 Ronald Alan Muñez and PO1 Nemuel España who were seized in Loreto, Agusan del Sur also last Sunday.

The Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council is also clueless on the whereabouts of civilian Vicente Bolgado who was snatched along with three of the seven militiamen.