DAVAO CITY – The chief of the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said the military will never negotiate with the New People’s Army (NPA) the release of a soldier, a militiaman and a barangay captain who were abducted by communist insurgents in Montevista, Compostela Valley last Sunday.
“Military personnel taken as hostage are considered casualties, hence not (subject) for negotiation. We do not negotiate their release,” Lt. Gen. Cardozo Luna said.
Luna said the government will not negotiate with the NPA rebels for the safe release of Army Sgt. Raul Reyes, paramilitary member Rudy Villaflor, and barangay captain Glorieto Mahumas.
The rebels seized the three as human shields after raiding an Army detachment in Barangay Kanidkid, Montevista town.
Another soldier, reportedly a member of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is still being held captive by the communist rebels after he was snatched in neighboring Monkayo town last month.
Cpl. Frederick Gaila was seized last month while he was en route to the Monkayo town proper from the mining site on Mt. Diwalwal.
Local leaders have reportedly initiated talks with the rebels for the release of Reyes’ group. But Luna clarified that the military had no part in it.
Compostela Valley and the neighboring provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur are considered as NPA strongholds.