NPA rebels free 4 captive soldiers in ComVal

Communist rebels have released the three soldiers and a government militiaman they captured last month in Compostela Valley, a military official said on Tuesday. Lt. Col. Norman Zuniega, commander of the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion, said the four were released at about 4 p.m. at Barangay Teresa in Maco town, near the boundary of Mawab town where they were captured last May 12. He said the release was made through the negotiations done by civilians and the pressure put by government troops on the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. “This [release] is the product of the effort of the populace of Mawab, the parish priest, the local officials and also the military pressure that we did," said Zuniega. Released were Corporals Marcial Bawagan and Ariel Asumo; Corporal Eduardo Alcala, military detachment commander in Barangay Anitapan, Mabini, Compostela Valley; and militiaman Victor Pitogo. The four were seized by the rebels while attending the birthday party of Bawagan’s son. The rebels said the captives were subsequently placed under investigation for alleged crimes against the people. Zuniega said the soldiers were freed a day after a prayer rally was held for the release of the soldiers. The four were being transported to the headquarters of the 10th Infantry Division in Davao City as of posting time, Zuniega said. Zuniega said the release would not spare the rebels from pursuit operations. He said government forces will “definitely" pursue the abductors “because they have broken the law." “They have committed criminal offense so we will conduct law enforcement mission to get these people," he said. - KBK, GMANews.TV