Reds free jail warden

DAVAO CITY, Philippines–New People’s Army (NPA) rebels released yesterday Compostela Valley jail warden Jose Mervin Coquilla whom they kidnapped last Dec. 23.

The rebels turned over Coquillas to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte at an undisclosed place in Compostela Valley.

Duterte, in turn, handed over Coquillas to his superiors at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. 

Coquilla’s wife Lijobeth had asked Duterte’s help for the release of her husband.  On Sunday, Duterte urged the rebels to release Coquilla within 72 hours. 

Compostela Valley officials led by Gov. Arthur Uy had also called on the rebels to release Coquilla, saying the jail warden was not involved in any illegal activity. 

Aris Francisco, spokesperson for the NPA’s Compostela Valley North-Davao South Agusan command, had said prisoners accused Coquilla of tolerating physical abuse by jail guards.