NPA releases Davao Oriental mayoral bet

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The New People’s Army (NPA) released on Thursday night a mayoral candidate who was seized the previous night in Baganga town in Davao Oriental.

Ronnie Osnan, an independent mayoral bet in Baganga, was freed by the insurgents at around 6 p.m. Thursday, said Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente, Southern Mindanao police director.

Morente said Osnan was immediately brought to the provincial police headquarters in Mati, the capital town, where he underwent debriefing and medical checkup.

Morente quoted Osnan as denying that he was snatched, saying the insurgents just invited him for talks.

Osnan also told authorities that he did not pay any “permit to campaign” fee to the rebels.

Despite the incident, Osnan would continue with his campaign sorties, according to Morente.

At least 30 NPA guerrillas snatched Osnan while he was campaigning in Barangay Campawan, Baganga town Wednesday night. Police said a certain Pastor Manuel Tizon was also seized but was immediately freed.

Morente said police have been receiving raw information on the kidnapping. “We get unverified reports. That is why we are also asking the family of the victim to share information with us,” he said.

Morente said he got reports that Osnan was kidnapped as he had refused to pay P200,000 in “permit to campaign” fee demanded by the NPA rebels.

“But we really do not know yet what actually happened,” he said. 

There were also reports that the rebels demanded two M-16 rifles from Osnan instead of cash.

Osnan reportedly did not resist when the guerrillas took him as one of them was said to be his classmate in high school.

Senior Superintendent Jose Carumba, acting Davao Oriental police director, said they would “require” Osnan to take part in the investigation for the filing of criminal charges against the rebels. “We cannot let such an offense pass,” he said. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe