Cateel, Davao Oriental (davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines—A police man assigned at 2nd Platoon, Davao Oriental Public Safety Company based in Barangay Aliwagwag, Cateel, Davao Oriental was allegedly captured by the New People’s Army on July 11, an official said Thursday.
DCPO spokesperson Police Senior Inspector Catherine dela Rey identified the police officer as PO1 Alfredo Sillada Basabica Jr.
The police officer said the NPA seized Basabica on Tuesday afternoon while on-board Malen Bus with body no. 8881 bearing plate no. LWV 181 driven by Michael Bitan-ag while transerving Barangay Aliwagwag, Davao Oriental passing through Compostela Valley Province.
The bus was flagged down by armed men who were wearing military uniforms in a checkpoint along Kilometer 26, Barangay Panansalan, Compostela Valley Province, according to Dela Rey.
Based on the PNP’s initial investigation, the NPAs —disguised as government troops— asked bus passengers of their identification cards.
Basabica gave his PNP ID “thinking that they were members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).” Thereafter, the NPA ordered the police officer to alight from the bus and was later brought to unknown direction.
According to PSupt Harry G Espela, provincial director of Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office, Basabica was permitted for a passes to process documents in preparation for his upcoming wedding ceremony scheduled at the end of this month.
Meanwhile, PRO 11 Regional Director PCSupt Manuel R. Gaerlan condemned and branded the NPA’s move as “criminal act.” He also demanded for the immediate released of the police officer held captive by the NPA.
