PAQUIBATO DISTRICT, Davao City – The 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion of New People’s Army released on Monday its five prisoners to presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
The five police officers were captured last April 16 hours after the NPA attack an Army detachment in Barangay Salapawan, Paquibato District, here.
Hundreds of residents of Barangay Lumiad in Paquibato gathered at the gymnasium which served as the venue for the ceremony.
OPENING CEREMONY. Before the program proper for the release of the POWs, the NPAs line up for the singing of the Internationale. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)
IN TEARS. Family members of the five prisoners of war policemen break into tears as they saw their loved ones at the gym in Paquibato where the release took place. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)
ARRIVAL. The residents of Barangay Lumiad in Paquibato, Davao City welcome Mayor Duterte. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)
ESCORT. Members of the NPA escorted Duterte as he walks toward the gymnasium in Barangay Lumiad, Paquibato. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)
RELEASE ORDER. A member of the 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion reads the release order issued by the National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao for the release of the five prisoners. The order was later signed by the prisoners, Mayor Duterte, the NPA, and the representative of the Exodus for Justice and Peace, who acted as the third party
facilitator. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)
CHAT. Ka Yancy of New People’s Army’s 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion talks with Mayor Duterte, his assistant Bong Go, and third party facilitator Reverend Jurie Jaime. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte says that this is his 36th time to receive the New People’s Army’s prisoners. He said that there are still other prisoners by the NPA that will be turned over to him. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)
