Philippines: Abducted soldiers now prisoners of war – NPA | Asian Correspondent

Philippines: Abducted soldiers now prisoners of war – NPA | Asian Correspondent
By Edwin Espejo, Jun 20, 2013

The communist-led New People’s Army (NPA) has confirmed the capture of five Philippines government soldiers belonging to the 60^th Infantry Battalion abducted at a checkpoint in Paquibato District in Davao City on Monday.

In a statement posted on the rebel website Wednesday Leoncio Pitao a.k.a Kumander Parago said the soldiers are now “prisoners of war” and “currently undergoing investigation for possible serious human rights violations”.

Pitao heads the 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion of the NPA in Southern Mindanao Region.

The NPA rebels named the captured Army soldiers as Cpl. Emmanuel Quezon, privates first class Vernie Padilla, Ronald Gura and Pfc. Donato Estandian and Pvt. Marteniano Pasigas.

Their commanding officer, a certain 1Lt. Neven Canitan, escaped capture by jumping into a ravine upon seeing the NPA rebels. The rebels, however, accused Canitan of abandoning his men.

The soldiers were on board two motorcycles and were on their way to Panabo City when they were held by heavily armed rebels reportedly led by Pitao’s son Ryan.

Seized from the government troopers were three cal .45 pistols and a hand grenade, according to the rebel statement.

Pitao warned the Philippine military against any armed rescue attempt.

“Further intensification of the military operations in Davao City hinterlands under the cover of pursuit and rescue operations will only endanger the lives of the POWs,” Pitao said.

He added that the “NPA custodial force will continue to take active defensive stance to protect its troops while ensuring the safety of its captives.”

The NPAs are known to release captured soldiers for “humanitarian consideration.” But they had demanded suspension of military operations in wide areas where their captives are to be released.

The most celebrated NPA captive was Brig. Gen. Victor Obillo who was also abducted by Kumander Parago in February 1999.  Obillo, together with his aide army Capt. Eduardo Montealto, was later released to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) after two months in captivity.  The event was widely covered by the international press.

The latest government soldier also captured and released by the NPA rebels was Pfc Jesus Tomas who, together with Senior Police Officer 1 Alan Pansoy, was seized at a rebel checkpoint a week before the May 13 elections.  They were turned over to Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in an undisclosed village in Maco, Compostela Valley.

The NPA, however, has not set any demands for the release of the 5 Army soldiers. In the past, they have been in touch with Duterte regarding the status of their ‘prisoners.’ Duterte is set to assume office as Davao City mayor on June 30.

The public affairs office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has condemned the abduction.