THE New People’s Army (NPA) in Southern Mindanao on Monday, August 22, said they are preparing for the safe release and turn-over of prisoner of war (POW) Governor Generoso station commander Chief Inspector Arnold Ongachen after he apologized for earlier mistake of having a sachet of illegal drugs in his possession which he seized during a drug bust.
This developed after the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) also ordered the release of all POWs who were in custody of the NPA rebels in the Davao Region.
In a statement issued by the New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday, the rebels acknowledged the admission of guilt and apology of Ongachen after a sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as "shabu," was seized from his possession during a raid by the NPA at the Governor Generoso police station last May 29 where he was abducted.
Ongachen admitted he keep a sachet of shabu in his possession which he took during one of the drug bust of his police officers.
“Humihingi po ako ng tawad sa masang Pilipino lalong-lalo na kay President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, sa PNP organization at sa CPP-NPA-NDF sa pagkakamali ko pong paghawak ng isang sachet ng shabu na nakuha naming sa test buy na hindi ako dapat ang hahawak nito,” Ongacehn said.
“Sa dahilan pong tiwalang-tiwala po ako sa sarili ko na hindi ko po ito gagamitin dahil hindi po ako user. At ito po ang nagging dahilan kung bakit tumagal ng ganito ang pag-kustodiya sa akin. Inuulit ko po, hindi po ako user, hindi po ako pusher at lalong-lalo na po hindi po ako protector ng droga,” he added.
Rigoberto Sanchez, spokesperson for the NPA-SM, said they are processing the release of Ongachen.
“His custodial unit has reported that the preparations are underway for his safe and orderly release,” Sanchez said.
This move by the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is in connection with the declaration of the seven-day unilateral ceasefire which took effect last Saturday, August 20.
The release of the other POW Chief Inspector Michael Grande has yet to be declared by the NPA rebels.
The government peace panel along with NDFP consultants and CPP founder Joma Sison have started the resumption of peace talks in Oslo, Norway.