(The Philippine Star) - January 1, 2016 - 9:00am

MANILA, Philippines – After more than three months, the New People’s Army (NPA) has freed on New Year’s Eve an Army sergeant it held captive in Agusan del Sur.

Sgt. Adriano Bingil was reunited with his wife Jenalyn and two daughters, who anxiously awaited his arrival in Barangay Durian, Las Nieves town, Agusan del Norte.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte brokered the release after Bingil’s relatives sought his help. He personally escorted the soldier to the military headquarters in Bancasi, Butuan City.

Bingil was part of a team of soldiers deployed for an outreach mission to the lumads in San Luis, Agusan del Sur. He was hitching a ride on a motorcycle when snatched by the rebels.

Lt. Col. Rolando Dumawa, commander of the 26th Infantry Battalion, allowed Bingil to spend time with his family for the celebrations. Normally, soldiers go through several days of debriefing before they are allowed to join their loved ones.

                                                             

ADRIANO BINGIL AGUSAN BARANGAY DURIAN BINGIL BUTUAN CITY DAVAO CITY MAYOR RODRIGO DUTERTE INFANTRY BATTALION LAS NIEVES NBSP NEW PEOPLE NEW YEAR