NPAs abduct 10 in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - Ten persons, seven of them government militia men, were abducted by communist rebels in separate incidents in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, the military said Tuesday.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said four militias were kidnapped by New People’s Army (NPA) members while on their way to Barangay Binicalan in San Luis, Agusan del Sur last Monday.

The four militiamen were on board a motorcycle and were blocked and abducted by about 30 rebels manning a checkpoint in Barangay Mahayhay. The rebels are reportedly led by a certain Almie Asalan alias “Aguila.”

The abducted militiamen were identified as Mario Libanda, 39, Tuloy Libanda, 36, Rejoy Francisco, 25, and Rubio Asalan, 23. The victims are being supervised by the Army’s 23rd battalion.

In a related development, two policemen were kidnapped in Loreto, Agusan del Sur by communist insurgents last Sunday.

Police reports show that the victims, identified as PO2 Ronald Alan Muñez and PO1 Nemuel España were conducting surveillance operations when they were kidnapped by the rebels.

The two policemen were reportedly brought to Sitio Marang in Barangay Kasapa.

A municipal crisis management committee has been activated to ensure the safe release of the policemen.

Meanwhile, three more militiamen and one civilian were also kidnapped by about five NPA members in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur also last Sunday.

Reports reaching the Army identified the victims as militia men Evangeline Cabodbod, Leonardo Sevellejo Sr., and Danny Sevellejo and civilian Vicente Bolgado.

Capt. Christian Uy, acting spokesman of the Army's 4th division, said the rebels freed Bolgado on Sunday night.

Security forces are now conducting pursuit operations against those behind the abductions.