DAVAO CITY – The Southern Mindanao command of the New People’s Army (NPA) gave assurance that the Army soldier, barangay captain and militiaman they have held captive since Oct. 7 are being treated well while facing investigation for alleged offenses against civilians.
In a statement, Aris Francisco, spokesman of the NPA’s regional Alejandro Lanaja Command, confirmed that Army Sgt. Raul Reyes, barangay captain Glorieto Mahumas and militiaman Rudy Villaflor are in their custody.
The three were snatched during a raid last Oct. 7 on a detachment of the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Canidkid, Montevista, Compostela Valley.
“The NPA accords Mahumas, Reyes and Villaflor their rights to humane treatment and due process while in detention. This is in accordance to their status as ‘prisoners of war’ under the war protocols,” Francisco said in the statement.
Francisco said Reyes, the detachment commander, together with Mahumas and Villaflor, is being investigated over complaints filed against them that may constitute alleged war crimes and violations of the International Humanitarian Law and offenses against the civilians in Montevista town.
Mahumas and Villaflor were accused of playing an active role in establishing paramilitary units in Montevista.
Francisco alleged that the 72nd IB and the 60th IB in Compostela Valley were known for their human rights abuses.