DepEd chief, teachers thankful for end of Agusan hostage crisis

Education Secretary Armin Luistro and a teachers' group gave thanks Wednesday for the end to the six-day hostage crisis in Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur. An entry on the Department of Education Twitter account said Luistro thanked the local crisis management committee for the peaceful end to the crisis. "Sec. Luistro lauds the local crisis mgt commiittee and thanks all those who were instrumental in the safe release of all the hostages," it said. The hostage crisis in Agusan del Sur province finally came to an end early Wednesday morning as police said the hostage-takers "abandoned" their 13 remaining captives. A total of 16 people were abducted on April 1, with the abductors initially demanding the release of former militiaman Ondo Perez in exchange for their captives. Perez is detained and facing criminal charges in connection with a similar hostage-taking incident in 2009.

For its part, the Teachers' Dignity Coalition voiced relief that the remaining hostages are finally free and will be reunited with their families. The TDC commended the efforts made by the authorities especially the local crisis management committee for this successful negotiation. "We are happy for them and we thank all those who joined us in prayers," TDC chairman Benjo Basas said in a statement posted on their website. But the group also reminded government, especially the police and military, to protect the schools to deter the same incidents in the future. "Finally, we would like to remind the DepEd to begin the inventory of hardship posts and provide additional compensation to teachers in areas of armed conflicts," Basas said. — RSJ, GMA News