Dr. Daniel Lu, conducting the medical examination on Gerasmio and Corbita during their release, confirmed.
“I don’t see any sign of physical maltreatment against them,” Lu, the vice-mayor of Sto. Tomas town, said.
Lu said he has not seen any cuts or bruises on the soldiers, and that their body movements, including their blood pressure, were normal.
One of the members of the NPA platoon said that the NPA strictly adheres to the international protocols, especially the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, in treating prisoners of war.
Col. Bien Datuin, commander of the 28th Infantry Battalion-AFP, insists there is nothing to thank the NPA for. It was the result of the militarys mounting pressure and local government efforts. (davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)
“We have been respecting these protocols despite the GRP’s (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) continuous violation,” said the member of the 5th PBC who called himself Tim.
The Merardo Arce Command of the NPA released a statement declaring that Gerasmio and Corbita were released on humanitarian grounds. So far, the two soldiers were the latest POW the NPA’s held captive and released in an area known for its history of bloody confrontation between government troops and the Communist rebels.
On May 8 last year, the NPA released Sgt. Albert Baludoya, the Aliwagwag Cateel detachment commander of the 72nd Infantry Cadre Battalion under the AFPs 10th Infantry Division. Baludoya was held as a POW for less than a month. The NPA released him on humanitarian grounds.
