NPAs release soldier, lawman in Compostela

DAVAO CITY, Philippines –  New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas released yesterday a policeman and a soldier they snatched in separate incidents in Maco town in Compostela Valley last week.

The release of Private First Class Jesus Tomas and Senior Police Officer 1 Alan Pansoy was facilitated by the Sowing Seeds of Peace, a multi-sectoral group composed of priests, bishops, pastors, lawyers and other peace advocates.

Pansoy was turned over to the group after he was first checked by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Tomas was reportedly turned over by the NPA to Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in an undisclosed village in Maco.

Duterte handed Tomas over to Brig. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division based in Camp Panacan.

Pansoy was snatched last week by NPA rebels who blocked the convoy of Compostela Gov. Arthur Uy after a campaign rally in Maco, while Tomas was kidnapped from the Maco public market.

Meanwhile, Abu Sayyaf militants released a son of a marine corporal they held captive for almost four months after ransom was reportedly paid in Maimbung town, Sulu, Friday night, security officials said.

Police said the victim, Vincent Acla, was turned over by the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Jihad Susukan, alias “Idang,” to the negotiator at 7 p.m. in an undisclosed village.

The boy was presented to Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan, who coordinated for the release of the victim. He was brought to Camp Gen. Teodolfo Bautista for medical check-up and was reunited with his family.

Sources said that a P400,000 ransom was paid for the release of Acla, son of Cpl. Victeo Acla, who  was kidnapped last Jan. 13.          – With Roel Pareño