BUTUAN CITY – Communist rebels have demanded the immediate pull out of troops in the southern Philippine province of Surigao to allow the safe release of three police officers being held as prisoners of war by the New People’s Army.
The rebels also asked Governor Sol Matugas to order the military to withdraw its forces so rebels can free PO3 Democrito Polvorosa, PO1 Marichel Contemplo and PO1 Junrie Amper, who were taken captive last year. The NPA is also holding Compostela Valley provincial jail warden Jose Coquilla.
Matugas wrote a letter to Brig. Gen. Jonathan Ponce, commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, and asked him to suspend the so-called Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) program of the military to allow the NPA to free all three hostages.
Ponce, in his reply to Matugas’ letter, said troops are currently observing a unilateral cease-fire and would not do anything that would put the lives of the policemen in jeopardy.
He said all military units under him are religiously observing the provisions of the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) as set forth by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Under the SOMO, troops are prohibited from conducting deliberate offensive and combat operations. But soldiers continue to maintain checkpoints and patrol villages to protect civilian communities from lawless elements.
Ponce said he cannot withdraw troops in the province, but he ordered battalion commanders for the temporary suspension of Peace and Development Outreach Program and Community-Based Peace and Development efforts to pave way for the immediate release of the hostages.
“In view of the said provisions, the demand of the NPA to pull out our troops conducting COPD and the conduct of checkpoints cannot be granted. I will not allow the total pull out of troops in the area.”
“On the other hand, I ordered my battalion commanders for the temporary suspension of Peace and Development Outreach Program and Community-Based Peace and Development efforts to pave way for the immediate release of the kidnapped victims,” Ponce said.
He said security patrols is aimed to protect civilian communities, government establishments, investment facilities, and vital structures, including military camps, detachments, patrol bases, installations and outposts against armed groups. He said the checkpoints also serve to prevent the illegal transport of weapons or explosives by civilians and rebel groups.
The NPA – which is fighting for a separate state in the country – recently released Pvts. Marnel Cinches and Jerrel Yurong in Bukidnon province in northern Mindanao due to humanitarian reason following their capture in August last year in Impasug-ong town; and also Pfc. Alvin Ricarte and Cpl. Benjamin Samano in Compostela Valley province. (Mindanao Examiner)
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