NPA releases abducted Davao cops with Duterte's help

The New People's Army released Monday five Davao police officers they earlier abducted at Barangay Mapula, Paquibato District in Davao, a police report said.

The five policemen headed by Chief Inspector Leonardo Tarongoy, abducted last April 16, arrived at Davao police regional headquarters with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte around 4:30 pm. They were received by regional police head Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan and Davao police chief Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao Jr.

"They arrived safely at PRO11 on board by a helicopter together with Mayor Rodrigo Duterte from brgy Lumiad, Paquibato district, Davao City," the report stated.

The five police officers underwent physical check up and debriefing.

According to Duterte, he himself talked with the NPA, convincing them not to harm and instead releasing the police officers as they are not combatants.

The Davao mayor did not provide further details. He joked that he will let the police officers and their families have a  vacation in Hong Kong after elections.

The police officers were abducted when they responded to a call for assistance regarding an alleged harassment and arson in a military detachment in Paquibato District.

But when they arrived at Barangay Mapula, some 50 armed men seized them. —Amita Legaspi/JST, GMA News