Compostela b’gay head aided NPA in raid – AFP

DAVAO CITY – The military is set to file charges against a barangay captain in Montevista, Compostela Valley after an investigation showed that he allegedly colluded with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who raided an Army detachment in his village.

This, even if barangay captain Glorieto Mahumas of Barangay Kanidkid was among the three who were seized by the insurgents during the raid last Oct. 7. The two others were Army Sgt. Raul Reyes and militiaman Rudy Villaflor, said to be a member of the local peace and order council.

“The investigating team would possibly file charges against Mahumas for allegedly aiding the rebels based on the revelation of the residents and other witnesses in Barangay Kanidkid,” said Brig. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade.

Holganza said the guerrillas holding the three captives have sent feelers that they are willing to free Mahumas who is reportedly suffering from malaria but only if the military would suspend its operations in Barangay Kanidkid.

But Holganza said, “If they are really truthful and they want to release Mahumas, then the key is with them. They could release Mahumas without any condition if they are really sincere in wanting to release him.”