Despite warning, AFP to pursue kidnapped soldiers

MANILA, Philippines - Rescue operations for the five soldiers kidnapped in Davao City are underway despite the communist rebels’ warning that these could endanger the lives of the captives.

Capt. Raul Villegas, deputy public affairs officer of the Army’s 10th division, said about 100 soldiers are involved in the checkpoints and pursuit operations against the kidnappers.

He said military checkpoints have been set up in main roads to prevent the kidnapping of civilians.

“(The checkpoints will be) all over Davao City. Actually, there are established checkpoints in some areas even before the kidnapping incident,” Villegas said.

Five soldiers performing development projects were abducted by the New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday while buying food in Paquibato district in Davao City.

Abducted  were Cpl. Emmanuel Quezon, Pfcs. Ronald Gura, Bernie Padilla, and Donato Estandia and Pvt. Marteniano Pasiagas Jr. The kidnapped soldiers were reportedly unarmed and were in civilian attire.

The NPA’s 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion based in Southern Mindanao warned that the conduct of rescue operations would place the lives of the kidnapped soldiers at risk.

“Further intensification of the military operations in Davao City hinterlands under the cover of pursuit and rescue operations will only endanger the lives of the POWs (prisoners of war),” said Leoncio “Ka Parago” Pitao, chief of the 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion, in a statement.

Pitao said the abducted soldiers are now being probed for “possible serious human rights violations, violations of International Humanitarian Law and crimes versus the people.”

Despite the rebels’ warning, the military vowed to continue the rescue efforts.  

“It is our duty to rescue our personnel. They are part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). They were doing their duty at the time they were abducted,” Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

In a statement, the NPA said their operations were meant to punish the military “for continuing to encroach, settle and conduct psychological warfare and intelligence operations in all villages of Paquibato District.”

The rebels also accused the soldiers of militarizing the local communities by regulating the movement of civilians. – Alexis Romero