Manero appeals for brother’s release

DAVAO CITY – Convicted priest killer Norberto Manero appealed to the New People’s Army to release his brother Jose who was abducted on May 11 in Barangay Lorenzo, Calinan district, this city.

“I appeal to the NPA rebels to please release my brother since he is suffering from some ailment,” Manero said in a television interview with the local GMA 7 crew here.

In a statement last week, Rigoberto Sanchez, spokesperson of the NPA’s Merardo Arce Command said that Manero’s brother Jose, was held captive for investigation purposes by the group of Leoncio Pitao, also known as Commander Parago.

Jose, who was a retired Philippine Army M/Sgt. worked as security consultant of the Lorenzo Group of Companies that also owns the Lorenzo banana plantation in Calinan.

Manero, who spent at least 18 years in prison for the killing of Italian priest Tulio Favali, was released in January.

He asked the NPA rebels to grant the request of his family to release Jose for humanitarian reasons.

Manero appeared at the Davao City Hall late Tuesday afternoon in an effort to personally meet with Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to assure the mayor that he and his family have nothing to do with the warnings that came out that members of the Ilaga movement would get known allies of the NPA guerrillas in the area if Jose would not be released.

The Maneros were behind the Ilaga fanatical band that terrorized both Muslim and communist militants in the 1970s.

However, Duterte was not at the City Hall and Manero was instead met by City Administrator Wendel Avisado.

The ex-convict hinted that since his release from prison in January he has not done anything to revive the Ilaga movement.

Manero said he has concentrated on his farming in South Cotabato since his release.