NPA open to negotiations for release of two captives

The New People’s Army (NPA) said it is open for talks with the Arroyo administration for the release of a police major and an Army intelligence officer it has held captive in Southern Tagalog.

"The revolutionary movement is ready to talk with the emissaries of the (Arroyo administration)" for the release of Chief Inspector Abelardo Martin and Army Maj. Noel Buan, NPA chief Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal said.

He added: "The decision on whether the (government) should pay serious attention to the issue of the prisoners of war’s release is now in (President) Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s hands."

The NPA held Martin and Buan captive about two years ago, and has treated them as "prisoners of war."

Rosal said the NPA’s "people’s court" has charged Buan with "espionage and war crimes," and that Martin "also (faces) charges filed by the masses in Dolores, Quezon" where he was the police chief prior to his abduction.

The rebel spokesman said the "trial" of the two captives started last year.

"Nonetheless, it remains the prerogative of the revolutionary organs of the (Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA) whether to continue or suspend these processes to give way to negotiations for the release of the prisoners on humanitarian grounds," Rosal said.

He added that the release of Martin and Buan "may also be considered for political reasons such as the undertaking of confidence-building measures for peace negotiations."

Rosal said the CPP-NPA has shown its "readiness to free its prisoners of war," citing the release, in 1997, of police Chief Inspector Rene Francisco, Army Sgt. Joaquin Melad and SPO3 Martillano Magtagad.

In 1999, he said the NPA released Army Brig. Gen. Victor Obillo and his aide, Capt. Eduardo Montealto, after negotiations with government emissaries.

Rosal said Martin could have been released on Feb. 11 last year, but this was stalled when former President Estrada and Armed Forces chief Gen. Angelo Reyes, deployed 15 Army battalions in Southern Tagalog to launch rescue operations.

Rosal said Mrs. Arroyo could secure the freedom of Martin and Buan if she renounces the "militarist outlook" of Estrada and Reyes.

"(Mrs. Arroyo) has to understand that any ‘military rescue operation’ will fail just as Estrada and Reyes failed," he said. "The prisoners of war can only be released through negotiations."

He added: "If the NPA does not receive any formal request from the (Arroyo government) for the release of Martin and Buan, it is prepared to hold the two in custody for an indefinite period."

Rosal, however, gave assurances that Buan and Martin will be treated "liberally and humanely" and that their rights will be respected "in accordance with international humanitarian laws and the rules of war."