Rebels take hostage 7 Agusan councilors

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Pursuit operations were launched for New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who held hostage seven councilors and shot another in La Paz, Agusan del Sur on Wednesday.

Juanito Jumunong Jr., Luisito Pelayo, Josephine Carmona, Anselmo Bada, Tirso Gomez Jr. Ruben Castro and Ronnel Laspoña were released after one hour.

The councilors, who are seeking reelection, were in a vehicle on their way to Poblacion La Paz after a campaign rally in Barangay Lydia when they were pulled over by around 20 NPA guerrillas in Sitio Asuncion.

Councilor Elvin Arguelles, who tried to escape, was wounded when the rebels shot him.