DAVAO CITY – Members of the New People’s Army are set to release today the two soldiers taken last September 30.
Private First Class Niño Alavaro and PFC Marjon Añover belong to the 25th Infantry Battalion and were captured at a checkpoint in Barangay Casoon, Monkayo.
In an earlier statement to the press, Aries Francisco, spokesperson of the NPA-Comval North Davao South Agusan Subregional Command said the two “came from the Army’s headquarters in Banlag, Monkayo and were en route to combat operations at the time of their capture, warranting the Red fighters to take action and arrest them.”
But the military said the two were “not in combat operations and are traveling as individuals.”
Francisco said they mounted the checkpoint “in response to the atrocities committed by the 25th IB (Reengineered Special Operations Team).”
The family of Pfc. Añover has called for his immediate release early last month.
The Exodus for Justice and Peace who will be acting as the third party facilitator has called for the immediate resumption of peace talks.
Rev. Angelico Confreros, Jr. Confreros said “peace talks must resume on the table for these cases will continue if there are still fighting between the state forces and the rebel group.”
Davao City Mayor and chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council Rodrigo Duterte will be receiving the two soldiers. (davaotoday.com)
