‘Pray for 2 soldiers still under custody of NPA’

ANGELES CITY — With neither of two soldiers under New People’s Army (NPA) custody released in time for Christmas, officials of the Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) are turning to prayers for their freedom and reunion with their families on New Year’s Day.

"We have asked our chaplain to mobilize religious and other groups in the Nolcom area for prayers for their release," Col. Preme Monta, Nolcom spokesman, told The STAR.

Earlier, the NPA sent "feelers" that it was planning to set free Air Force Maj. Neptune Elequin, who has been under its custody since last July 2.

The NPA, however, has been silent on the fate of Marine Sgt. Marlon Oronan, who was snatched from his home in Barangay Pulong Masle in Guagua, Pampanga last Nov. 18.

"They have not denied reports that they have killed Oronan," Monta said.

"We must pray for their (rebels’) enlightenment and spiritual renewal so that they would release at least Elequin, who is a non-combatant," he said.

The NPA, according to Monta, "has no moral ground (to impose) conditions for the release of Elequin since what they did was immoral and illegal in the first place."

Monta reiterated that the military would not give way to the demand of the National Democratic Front (NDF) for a cessation of military offensives in the area where Elequin is held captive.

Last October, the NDF, in a statement, declared Elequin a prisoner of war and assured his family that he would be treated well according to international laws.

Monta challenged the NPA to formally issue a statement to Maj. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, Nolcom commander, regarding Elequin’s release.

"The NPA should stop addressing no less than President Arroyo on the abduction issue and instead address the commander of Nolcom because he is the one directly in charge of Central and Northern Luzon. They should stop trying to (gain) media mileage from their abductions," he said.

Monta said Tolentino has given instructions should the rebels release Elequin unconditionally.

"We are prepared to provide security and safe conduct to the NPA rebels in the release (area)," he said.

Despite the "feelers," Monta said Nolcom has yet to receive any direct notification from the NPA on Elequin’s release.