DAVAO CITYA bishop from the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) hailed the release of prisoner of war (POW) Corporal Dominador Alegre who was held captive by the New Peoples Army (NPA) for almost two weeks.
The Aglipayan Bishop Delfin Callao, Jr., who is also a convener of peace group Exodus for Justice and Peace called the release successful and orderly. We congratulate all the parties who have sought to peacefully resolve the POW crisis, said Bishop Callao, in whose hands the POW was turned over.
According to Callao, Alegres release demonstrates the importance of dialogue, peace advocacy and the cooperation of concerned sectors in calling for a peaceful resolution on the issue of the Prisoners of War.
Alegre was released at Sittio Logdeck, Brgy. Prosperidad in Montevista by the 4th Pulang Bagani Command under the Merardo Arce Command of the New People’s Army. Also present during the release were Monkayo Vice Mayor Avelino Cabag, members of human rights group Karapatan, Bayan Muna spokesperson Ariel Casilao and other members of the religious community and local government officials.
The government and the military should learn fast the need to address the issue of militarization and its impact on the communities of poor farmers, womenfolk and children, the Bishop said.
Callao believes that the successful release of Alegre stresses the need for a deeper understanding on the root causes of armed conflict and addressing the ills the society attendant to these causes.
The government must resume peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (as well as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front), he said.
For reference:
Bishop Delfin Callao
Exodus for Justice and Peace convener
Landline number: 300-5397
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