DAVAO CITY – The regional political department of the Merardo Arce Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) is currently undertaking efforts together with appropriate organs of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Southern Mindanao to tackle the case of prisoner of war (POW) Cpl. Dominador Alegre of the 72nd Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Verifiable reports forwarded by the political section of the 4th Pulang Bagani Company (PBC) confirms that Cpl. Alegre is in good condition as his custodial unit upholds the NPA policy of humane and lenient treatment towards prisoners of war.
Even as the 4th PBC-NPA is currently undertaking the investigation to find out violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and other counter-revolutionary acts that may have been committed by POW Cpl. Alegre, the revolutionary movement has always maintained a policy of giving the utmost consideration to the early, safe and orderly release of POWs whenever and wherever a basis for it exist.
but the 10th infantry division-Eastern Mindanao Command of the afp is actively opposing and closing the door to the possibility of an early, safe and orderly release of the pow and instead insist on endangering the security of Cpl. Alegre by launching military operations.
Human rights abuses committed by the 7th special operations company-AFP and the 25th IB-AFP against civilians in Monkayo, Compostela Valley continue to this day as they conduct their so-called rescue operation. Already, threats and harassments have mounted and civilian Eddie Tayag of Brgy. Casoon was baselessly arrested the other day.
This is clearly an act of fascist arrogance of the 10th id-eastmincom even as the revolutionary forces has consistently shown in the many past and recent pow cases that it has positively considered well-meaning appeals for the release of prisoners of war.
Thus, 10th ID-AFP’s condescending and irrational attitude towards their very own personnel captured and declared as POWs by the NPA and their families is a stumbling block to the possibility for an early, safe and orderly release of the POW.
For reference:
Ka Simon Santiago
Spokesperson
Regional Political Department
New People’s Army-Southern Mindanao
