NPAs kidnap2 Army soldiers in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines - Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) kidnapped two Army soldiers in a remote village in Bukidnon, a military official said yesterday.

Lt. Norman Tagros, spokesman for the 8th Infantry Battalion, said Pfcs. Jerry Yorong and Marnel Cinches were taken in Barangay Buntungon.

“Unarmed and not wearing their Army uniforms, they were on their way to conduct a livelihood project in the area when they were kidnapped,” Tagros said.

He said the Army leadership is coordinating with concerned local government units and other stakeholders to secure the release of the two soldiers.

The NPAs operating in the area said the two soldiers are under their custody as prisoners of war (POWs).

Alan Juanito, spokesman for the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Operations Command, said the captives are in good physical condition with their rights as POWs being observed by their custodians.