NPA to release 4 cops snatched in Surigao

MANILA, Philippines - The New People’s Army (NPA) has pledged to free within the week four police officers after Interior Secretary Mar Roxas secured the commitment of the National Democratic Front (NDF) for their release.

The rebels reportedly made the commitment in exchange for a five-day ceasefire in six towns in Surigao del Norte.

Roxas said the NDF committed to release Police Officer 3 Vic Concon and Police Officers 1 Rey Morales, Joen Zabala and Edito Roquino, who were held captive by the rebel group under the command of Jorge Madlos.

The police officers were captured by the rebels in a raid on the municipal hall of Alegria town last July 10.

“We have talked with the NDF about the release of the four policemen since the NDF scrubbed the turnover scheduled for June 25,” said Roxas, adding that the NDF-NEMR (North Eastern Mindanao Region) decided to reduce the conditions for the release of the four police officers.

He said the NDF-NEMR asked for a 10-day ceasefire in military and police operations in Surigao City and in 14 municipalities in Surigao del Norte.

Roxas said the NDF reduced the ceasefire period to five days, covering the towns of Placer, Bacuag, Tubod, Gigaquit, Alegria and Claver.