Wednesday, September 12, 2007 Seized military agent in good condition By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE military intelligence agent abducted by the New People's Army (NPA) in Monkayo, Compostela Valley last month is in good condition under the care of his captors.
Brigadier General Carlos Holganza, chief of the Army's 1001st Brigade, said they are constantly monitoring the whereabouts and condition of Sergeant Toto Gaila of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Isafp).
Gaila was abducted by suspected communist rebels in sitio Mabatas, barangay Upper Ulip in Monkayo on August 27.
Holganza said Gaila and his captors are constantly on the move, but was quick to add the rebels are treating Gaila well and the soldier is now being tried before the kangaroo court of the NPA.
Gaila was among the hundreds of commuters held for several hours by rebels at Sitio Mabatas before he was seized.
As early as 9 a.m. that day, the rebels were sighted in the area and were reportedly holding a checkpoint. Around 300 people passing by the checkpoint were allegedly held temporarily by the rebels.
Among those held were Gaila, one police officer Jerson Maniquiz of the Mt. Diwata police and five other armed civilians. Maniquiz and the other civilians were released that same day, while Gaila is still in the hands of the rebels.
Gaila has been held captive for 16 days now.
Last August 10, Private First Class Marjun Gatela was also abducted by the rebels in Monkayo after a firefight in Sitio Kadapang, Barangay San Isidro. He was released four days later and turned over by the rebels to Compostela Valley Governor Arturo "Chiongkee" Uy.
