NPA may free 5 soldiers this week, says Duterte

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday the five soldiers being held captive by the New People’s Army (NPA) are set to be released within the week.

The soldiers, who belong to the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion, are being held by the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command led by Kumander Leoncio “Parago” Pitao.

They were seized last June 17 in the hinterlands of Sitio Lubas, Barangay Paquibato Proper in the Paquibato district this city while conducting peace and development projects.

The NPA reportedly found Cpl. Emmanuel Quezon, Pfcs. Ronald Gura, Bernie Padilla, Donato Estandia, and Pvt. Marteniano Pasiagas Jr. of allegedly being involved in tagging peasant leaders as communists, harassing the families of known NPA members, and the killing of two civilians in Davao City and Davao del Norte.

The National Democratic Front has given assurance that the health and well being of the five captive soldiers have been taken care of.

Duterte said the release of the five soldiers is still being firmed up. He himself facilitated the negotiations.