NPA frees captured cop in Agusan del Sur

New People's Army rebels in the southern Philippine province of Agusan del Sur on Saturday afternoon released the policemen they had held hostage. Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, said PO3 George Sabatin was released to government negotiators led by Agusan del Sur vice governor Santiago Cane at about 1:15 p.m. The victim's wife, as well as the media, was present to witness the release. Cruz said Sabatin would be turned over to the Caraga Regional Police Office to undergo a medical check-up and debriefing. Sabatin was captured as a "prisoner of war" when Communist rebels overran a government outpost of the 1403rd Police Provincial Mobile Group last February 1 in Pulang Lupa, Trento, Agusan del Sur. Earlier this week, the NPA, to give a proof of life, released a photograph of Sabatin holding that day's newspaper. The hostage-taking incident came in the middle of preparations for the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-NPA. Formal peace talks with the CPP-NDF-NPA began Feb. 15 and is expected to end on Feb. 21. — LBG, GMA News