Soldier seized in North Cotabato

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines – Suspected communist rebels seized a soldier in Makilala, North Cotabato on Thursday.

Pvt. First Class Eduardo Hilaga Jr., who was driving his motorcycle, was among those pulled over at a “checkpoint” set up by New People’s Army rebels.

Hilaga, a member of the 7th Infantry Battalion, was on his way to their headquarters in Kabacan town after visiting his family in Barangay Kisan.

 “He was on his way to Kabacan to join an Army humanitarian outreach mission for poor villagers,” said Capt. Joan Petinglay, spokesperson for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Responding policemen recovered Hilaga’s black Honda motorcycle.