NDF: Cops’ release goodwill gesture for peace talks’ revival

KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte, Philippines – It was supposedly a goodwill gesture for the resumption of peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

NDF-Mindanao spokesman Jorge Madlos made this point in a message read for him in rites freeing four policemen after 20 days in captivity, in Barangay Hinimbangan here on Tuesday.

Madlos said the NDF released the four police officers – PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, and PO1s Rey O’niel Morales, Joen Zabala and Edito Roquino – without conditions and they were not even investigated by the “people’s court.”

Presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles yesterday said the goodwill resulting from the cops’ release constitutes a potential building block for the resumption of peace talks.

“We reiterate our openness and serious intent to pursue peace negotiations with the CPP-NDF-NPA on the basis of a time-bound and doable agenda,” Deles said.

Deles and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas flew to Kitcharao but only at the town proper to welcome back the freed policemen.

By failing to go to Barangay Hinimbangan, residents and Ka Jared, leader of the New People’s Army’s custodial force, said Roxas failed to see their situation – bad roads, lack of rural clinic and public school building, absence of livelihood means, and lack of potable water supply.

Former Hinimbangan councilman Antonio Dante said many villagers have become NPA supporters because there seems to be “no existing Philippine government” that could deliver services to them.

Ka Jared said the presence of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte officials led by Gov. Angel Amante-Matba and provincial board member Myrna Romarate, respectively, in the release rites hopefully gave them a picture of the real situation in Hinimbangan.

The third-party negotiators – nuns belonging to the Missionary Sisters of Mary and IFI priests led by Surigao del Norte Bishop Rhey Timbang – attended the ceremony.

NPA rebels seized the four policemen when they attacked a police outpost in Surigao del Norte earlier this month. – With Jose Rodel Clapano