Compostela rebels admit holding police corporal

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday admitted having in its custody a police corporal who it snatched while off-duty last Monday in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.

PO3 Ruben Nohapa, a member of the Nabunturan police, was seized as he passed by a checkpoint manned by communist rebels clad in military uniforms in Barangay Anislagan at around 6 a.m. Monday.

Rigoberto Sanchez, spokesman of the Merardo Arce Command of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Operation Command, confirmed in a statement that Nohapa is in the custody of guerrillas operating in the area.

Nohapa’s relatives have sought the intervention of various groups for his release.

Elements of the Army’s 66th Infantry Battalion pursued the fleeing rebels but reportedly hit a landmine in nearby Barangay Cabadianan.