6 CAFGU-hostages released by NPA in Agusan del Sur

The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP-EastMinCom) Friday announced the release last Thursday of six Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) who were abducted almost two months ago by Communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan del Sur.

The release of the six militiamen brings down to nine – two soldiers and seven CAAs – the remaining captives still being held by the Com- munist insurgents.

Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos, AFP EastMinCom Commander, identified the freed CAAs as Jurian B. Gaviola, Marson C. Iligan, Bienvinido A. Lamion, Eddie J. Tindoy, Sanny G. Malobay and Hermito M. Iligan.

Santos said the six abducted CAAs were released by their NPA abductors through a third party facilitator and were turned over to the Army’s 401st Brigade, Fourth Infantry Division at the Headquarters of the Eighth Special Forces Company, Third Special Forces Battalion, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), at Purok 12-A, Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on Thursday, February 14.

Santos said the release was brought about by the pressure of the relentless military operations to rescue the said troops.

“As of this time, our units in the area are continuously conducting military operations to rescue the remaining troops who are still being held and used as human shields and propaganda subject by the NPAs,” Santos said.

“We are assuring our communities that this, propaganda means of ‘kidnap-for-presscon’ to stop security operations, and allow them to continue conducting their recruitment, carry out attrocities against communities and to project a force to reckoned with, will not affect our effort and commitment to protect our communities and their right to live peacefully,” he added.

Santos said the released CAAs will be given time to talk with their immediate families, after which, they will undergo normal processing such as medical check-up and debriefing.

Two soldiers and 13 Cafgu members from New Tubigon Patrol base in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur were abducted by NPA terrorists on December 19, 2018.