AFP to help rescue kidnapped tribal leaders

MANILA, Philippines - The military yesterday vowed to help rescue four tribal leaders kidnapped by suspected communist rebels in Davao del Norte last week.

“With our commitment to the International Humanitarian Law…it is imperative that we deliver the Army’s all-out support to sustain forces on the ground…the 10th Infantry Division is involved in efforts to rescue the kidnapped tribal leaders,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año said.

The tribal leaders were kidnapped in Sitio Bulo, Barangay Dagohoy in Talaingod town on Aug. 1. The kidnapping has been blamed on the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army.

Danilo Angcomog,  Laris Landakay,  Jovanie Angcomog, and  Kalumpot Dalon were in the area to settle a tribal feud when they were seized.

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