NDF orders: Begin trial of 4 captives

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has asked its military arm, the New People’s Army (NPA), to begin the trial on spying charges of a Marine sergeant and three other men it has been holding captive in Sultan Kudarat since last Sept. 4.

This developed as exiled communist leader Jose Ma. Sison said the communist movement will step up protest actions against US involvement in Philippine affairs.

Luis Jalandoni, the NDF’s chief negotiator, said they decided to put S/Sgt. Jeremias Rosete and alleged military intelligence assets Wilfredo Maldeser, Herminia Sorongon and Pepito Simbulan on trial because of the government’s refusal to suspend military operations in the area where the NPA’s Valentin Palamine Command operates.

Meanwhile, the government has signed a "clarificatory document" with the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Bongcayao Brigade to boost peace negotiations with the breakaway communist group. — Romel Bagares, Benjie Villa and Jose Rodel Clapano