Davao rebels: 3 captive soldiers, militiaman alive, well

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  – The New People’s Army (NPA) gave assurance yesterday that the three soldiers and a militiaman snatched by rebels in Mawab, Compostela Valley last week, are alive and well.

In a statement, Anvil Guinto, spokesman of the NPA’s Crucifino Uballas Command, said Corporals Marcial Bawagan, Ariel Asumo and Eduardo Alcala and militiaman Victor Pitogo are safe in their custody.

“Their rights are respected under the protocols of war and international humanitarian laws, and the inherent rules of discipline strictly adhered to by the NPA,” Guinto said.

Guinto said the four are under NPA investigation for charges ranging from “active counter-revolutionary acts” to alleged violations of human rights.

Guinto said the military operations of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division to rescue the four military personnel “will only achieve two things, one of which is (to) only prolong the ongoing investigation and custodial detention” of their hostages.

Guinto added that more civilians will only become victims of human rights violations in villages where military operations are ongoing.