Military blamed for NDF leader’s disappearance

The National Democratic Front-Cagayan Valley (NDF-CV) accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines over the reported abduction of one of its political consultants in the region while in the National Capital Region last week.

The Army’s 5th Infantry Division based at Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela yesterday was quick to confirm custody of Randy Malayao, whom authorities said they have not abducted but rather arrested for pending cases of murder and other crimes before the Tuguegarao City regional trial court.

Major Gen. Melchor Dilodilo, chief of the Army’s 5th ID, said his command will formally present him at the division headquarters today.

“Our men arrested Malayao for murder and other crimes filed against him and we will be presenting him formally tomorrow,” the Army official said.

The NDF claimed that Malayao, 38, NDF political consultant for Cagayan Valley, was abducted by military elements from the Army’s 5th ID in Barangay Rosario, Pasig City on May 15.

In a statement emailed to The STAR, the NDF accused the 5th ID for Malayao’s abduction, claiming that a month before the incident, he was reported to be in the Cagayan Valley’s Security Council meeting as “about to be captured.” “We hold the 5th Infantry (Division), through its special agents and death squad, responsible for Malayao’s abduction,” said Jansel Reyes, NDF-CV media officer.

The Communist Party of the Philippines’ political front said that Malayao has been “active in various political activities for the advancement of the people’s democratic interests and peasants’ struggles against unjust government programs and policies.”

he NDF also credited Malayao for the dismantling of the Dy political dynasty in the region, which led to the defeat of Faustino Dy Jr. as governor after almost four decades of the political family’s local dominance.

Lately, before his disappearance, the NDF said, Malayao, was active in peasants’ discussions and fora regarding the high rates of rice and other issues concerning farmers.

“The Arroyo government has once again committed a blatant violation of human rights and International Humanitarian Laws. Malayao was an unarmed NDF consultant covered by immunity when they took him and detained him against his will until now,” the NDF said.