Monday, October 29, 2007 Rebels free village chief, Cafgu man By Ben O. Tesiorna
TWO of the three hostages abducted by the New People's Army (NPA) during a raid in Barangay Kanidkid, Montevista on October 7, 2007, were released contrary to reports that they escaped from their captors.
Barangay chairman Glorieto Mahumas and Cafgu member Rudy Villaflor revealed this during a military tactical interrogation.
The two said they were released by their captors on October 14 in barangay Banglasan due to the Philippine Army's intense military operation. The two said they stayed at the house of a certain Lanvindia located just about a kilometer away from Kanidkid.
Mahumas and Villaflor said they were afraid to come out in the open for the reason that they are being suspected for conniving with the rebels.
On Wednesday night, the two claimed to have heard gunshots coming from their barangay, thus, they decided to transfer to Barangay Camantagan where they contacted Montevista Councilor Abucejo.
Abucejo in turn brought the two to Representative Manuel Zamora for custody.
The two were then presented to Compostela Valley Governor Arturo "Chiongkee" Uy before they were turned over to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for tactical interrogation.
Army's 1001st Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Carlos Holganza said despite the escape of the two, their hot pursuit operation against the rebels who are still holding Army Sgt. Raul Reyes will continue.
He said no negotiations will be made for the safe release of Reyes.
Aside from Reyes, military intelligence agent Sgt. Toto Gaila also remains in the custody of the rebels after almost two months in captivity.
The rebel group claimed to have confiscated as well 16 high-powered rifles consisting of six M-14, eight Garand rifles, one M-16 as well as a .357 caliber pistol, including several rounds of ammunitions and military equipment during the raid.
