AFP: Rebels seize 4 tribal leaders

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  – The military is accusing the New People’s Army (NPA) of kidnapping four tribal leaders who are witnesses in a human trafficking case filed against certain organizations the rebel group is reportedly using as legal fronts.

Danilo Angcomog, Laris Landakay, Jovanie Angcomog and Kalumpot Dalon were seized by members of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao regional committee in Talaingod town in Davao del Norte on Aug. 1, the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said.

The four leaders were in Sitio Bulo in Barangay Dagohoy to settle a tribal dispute.

Village chairman Jose Baon reported the kidnapping to the municipal police station.

Villagers condemned the kidnapping, saying they are fed up of the abuses committed by the NPA and other bandit groups.

“This is obstruction of justice. The lives of our witnesses are in danger as the rebels want to twist the facts to their favor,” a tribal leader said.

Leaders of indigenous peoples groups and tribal chieftains in the municipality met to draft a resolution urging the kidnappers to release the victims.

Lt. Col. Vicente Edgardo de Ocampo, chief of the Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion, said they would help the local authorities locate and rescue the victims as well as file charges against the kidnappers.