6 traders under NPA custody

DAVAO CITY ,Philippines – The New People’s Army (NPA) is holding six traders from Initao, Misamis Oriental who have been missing for more than a month now.

Southern Mindanao regional director Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente said NPA rebels admitted they are keeping the six traders, identified as Ronald Boiles, James Mabaylan, Nelson Bagares, Ernesto Callo, Segundino Dailo Jr. and Julieto Sarsabo, whom they suspect to be spies for the military.

The wives of the six traders earlier sought the help of Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to talk with the NPA rebels for the release of their husbands. However, Duterte said he no longer want to get involved with any negotiations with the NPA for the release of any captive, as it can be used by the rebel group as a leverage to demand for the release certain political prisoners.