CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday released two soldiers its guerrillas kidnapped in Bukidnon last August.
Pfcs. Marnel Cinches and Jerel Yorong were turned over to local government and religious leaders in Sitio Mahayag, Barangay St. Peter in Malaybalay City, according to Maj. Christian Uy, spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division.
“They were released at noon yesterday,” Uy said, adding local government and religious leaders led the negotiations for the release of the soldiers.
Officials, led by Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri, handed over the two soldiers to their superior officers at the 403rd Army Brigade headquarters in Barangay Panambong also in Malaybalay City.
“From the headquarters of the 403rd Brigade, the two would be transferred to Camp Evangelista, where they would be confined in our own hospital. They have been exposed to the elements for quite some time and they need hospital rest,” Uy said.
The release of the two soldiers coincided with the 46th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Cinches and Yorong were kidnapped in Impasug-ong town on Aug. 22 while on their way to visit livelihood projects in Barangay Bobongtongon.
Jail warden kidnapped
Meanwhile, Compostela Valley Gov. Arthur Uy urged the NPA to release Jose Mervin Coquilla, chief warden of the Compostela Valley provincial jail, whom NPA rebels kidnapped in Barangay Sto. Niño in Panabo City, Davao del Norte on Christmas Eve.
Coquilla and his wife, Lijobeth, were on their way to church when they were seized. Lijobeth was released after an hour in Barangay Visayas.
Lijobeth expressed concern that the rebels would use her husband to secure the freedom of detained NPA rebels, including a certain Kumander Jinggoy. – With Edith Regalado