NPA declares 4-day truce for release of 2 captives

MANILA -- The New People's Army has declared a four-day truce starting today, Tuesday, in some towns in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley for the release of a soldier and a policeman who have been held captive by the rebels.

Rubi Del Mundo, National Democratic Front (NDF)-Southern Mindanao spokesperson, said in a statement that the suspension of military offensives until February 22 is "to pave way for the safe and orderly release" of Private First Class Jezreel Maata Culango and Police Officer 1 Ruel Pasion.

The truce covers the towns of Kapalong, San Isidro, Asuncion, New Corella, all in Davao del Norte, and Laak in Compostela Valley.

"While on temporary ceasefire in the aforesaid areas, the NPA remains in active defensive posture against the enemy's attack," said Del Mundo.

He alleged that the two captive government law enforcers were involved in the 60th Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police's "counter-revolutionary and anti-people military operations" in Compostela Valley and Agusan boundaries.

However, their release have been recommended after an NDF investigating body found that the two captives "committed lesser offenses," according to Del Mundo.

He added that the release of Culango and Pasion does not prevent the rebels from initiating future arrest against the two captives "should they be found to commit crimes against the people and other human rights abuses." (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)