Kidnapped mayor in good health, says gov

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel said Lingig town Mayor Henry Dano and his two escorts seized by the New People’s Army (NPA) last Saturday morning, are in good health.

Pimentel heads the crisis management committee in charge of the release of Dano and his two military bodyguards.

A task force was also created to hasten negotiations for the release of the captives.

For his part, Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he would personally talk to the NPA leadership for the release of Dano.

At least 30 armed men seized Dano and his two military escorts from his home in Lingig town. The rebels disguised themselves as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation.   – With Ben Serrano