“I have been in service for 18 years. I wish to continue my work until I retire,” Corbita, said. Gerasmio who has been in the service for 21 years said he also wanted to stay with the AFP.
“If their decision will not favor me, I would look for another source of living,” Gerasmio said.
But Corbita and Gerasmio were grateful to their captors for finally freeing them. They said their release was inevitable because they knew they have not committed grave crimes against the people, which was also confirmed by the NPA after the rebel group’s investigation. The NPA also assured them that nothing bad will happen to them while under the NPA custody.
IN MOTION. Compostela Valley province Governor Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy watches as members of the New People’s Army’s 5th Pulang Bagani Company fall in and sing the Internationale after the soldiers’ release. (davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)
“The NPA promised me that I will be freed,” Corbita said. “We were treated with the rights and privileges due us as prisoners of war,” Gerasmio said.
Gerasmio added that the NPA custodial unit always let them eat their meals first before everybody else during mealtime. “We were also provided clothes,” said Gerasmio, who only had a pair of shorts and a t-shirt when he was arrested.
Corbita said the NPA adhered to the international humanitarian law regarding the proper treatment of prisoners of war.
