Sunday, October 21, 2007 Stop military operation for soldier's sake: NPA
THE New Peoples Army's Alejandro Lanaja Command announced that Army Sgt. Raul Reyes will be released and reunited with his family soon provided that the military stop their operation in Compostela Valley and Agusan del Sur.
In an e-mailed statement, rebel spokesman Ka Aris Francisco said the release of Reyes will be realized soon once the AFP implements a suspension of military operations (Somo) in Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan and Laak areas as well as in Veruela, Sta. Josefa and Loreto in Agusan del Sur.
The NPA said that Reyes, along with paramilitary Civilian Action Auxiliary members Glorieto Mahumas and Rudy Villaflor underwent investigation while under the custody of the ALC-NPA.
"The results of the investigation showed that individually, they did not commit grave crimes against the people and the revolution. But their release procedures had been hampered by the continuous AFP military operations," the NPA said.
The rebel group said the "escape" of Mahumas and Villaflor happened because they were more focused on Sgt. Reyes. The group said a repeat of the scenario would never happen to Reyes.
The sergeant's safety is however not assured by the rebels due to the continuing military operation by the AFP in the area. The rebels said the continuing military operations would only jeopardize the safety of the remaining prisoner of war.
In a text message, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cardoso Luna however said that their rescue operation will keep on. He said the release of Mahumas and Villaflor was due to the pressure of the military against the rebel group. (BOT)
