MANILA, Philippines - As government forces observe its holiday truce, the military demanded the release of two soldiers kidnapped by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon last August.
Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, chief of the Philippine Army’s 4th division, said communist rebels have vowed to release the kidnapped soldiers as soon as the government declares a suspension of military and police operations.
“Let’s see if the NPA rebels are really sincere with their demand. They can now release our two soldiers anywhere and anytime. I know they will also do that because the whole nation is closely watching their actions,” Lactao said,
“The Filipino nation is hoping for the NPAs to keep their word,” he added.
The two soldiers, identified as Pfc. Mamel Cinches and Pfc. Jerrel Yorong, were abducted by four NPA members in Barangay Bontongon in Impasug-ong town last August 22.
Four months after the abduction, the government declared a ceasefire that took effect from December 18 and will end on January 19.
The communist rebels also declared a staggered truce that will take effect from December 24 until December 26 and from December 31 to January 1. The rebels’ offensives will be suspended anew from January 15 to January 19.