Six NPA captives released in Agusan del Sur — military

Six abducted government militiamen have been released by the New People's Army (NPA), according to the military on Friday.

Major General Felimon Santos, commander of the Armed Forces' Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), identified those released as:

• Civil Active Auxiliary 1 Jurian B. Gaviola
• Civil Active Auxiliary 1 Marson C. Iligan
• Civil Active Auxiliary 1 Bienvenido A. Lamion
• Civil Active Auxiliary 1 Eddie J. Tindoy
• Civil Active Auxiliary 1 Sanny G. Malobay
• Civil Active Auxiliary 1 Hermito M. Iligan

Santos said the CAAs were freed through a third party facilitator and were turned over to security forces in Poblacion in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur around 6 .m. Thursday.

"We are assuring our communities that this propaganda of 'kidnap for press con' to stop security operations and will allow them to continue conducting their recruitment and carry out atrocities against communities and to project a force to recon with, will not affect our effort and commitment to protect our communities and their right to live peacefully," Santos said.

The CAAs will undergo medical checkup and debriefing and will also be given time to talk to their families, Santos said.

Santos also ensured that troops continue to conduct military operations to rescue the remaining troops who are still being held and used as human shields and propaganda subject by communists rebels. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News