NPAs seize 3 militiamen, 3 civilians in Davao City

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas snatched three government militiamen and three civilians on New Year’s Eve in the hinterlands of Baguio district this city, the military said.

According to the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, two of the three militiamen were seized early Monday morning in Sitio Mangas-as, Barangay Tambobong but were released at around 10 a.m. the same day after reportedly being probed by the insurgents.

The third militiaman was seized Monday afternoon in Sitio Kidalis, also in Barangay Tambobong. He and the three civilians were still under NPA custody as of yesterday afternoon.

The three militiamen reportedly belong to the Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion based in Malagos, Baguio district this city.

Lt. Col. Edgar Nigos, commander of the 84th IB, condemned the snatchings, saying these violated the unilateral holiday ceasefire declared by the insurgents.

Nigos said residents of Barangay Tambobong feel threatened with the presence of the NPA rebels in their area.