Stop military operation for soldier’s release, church appeals

GINGOOG CITY – Church leaders in Northern Mindanao appealed to President Aquino to order the suspension of military, police operations (SOMO, SOPO) for the safe release of the abducted Army soldier held captive for 13 days now by the New People’s Army (NPA).

The church leaders also pleaded for the release of the soldier as increasing deep concern, worries and agony is already felt by the kin.

In a letter to President Aquino dated July 20, the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) appealed to the President for his intercession now to ensure the safe release of Pfc. Adonis Jess Lupiba.

The letter was signed by Arch- bishop Antonio Ledesma of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro and Bishop Felixberto Calang of the Diocese of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente.

The PEPP also informed the President that the local National Democratic Front (NDF) has also expressed the desire to release the soldier if the SOMO and SOPO will be implemented.

The provincial and city crisis management committee said the PEPP is a third party committee now working to facilitate the release of Pfc. Lupiba from the custodial force of the NPA.

Last year, the PEPP as third party committee together with the local government unit (LGU) succeeded in the negotiation that led to the release of the two soldiers held captive by the NPA rebels in the mountains of Bukidnon province.

Also attached of the PEPP letter of appeal was the undated letter from Lupiba’s wife and parents pleading for the President’s intercession for the safe release of Lupiba.

“As President and the country’s Commander-in-Chief, I am appealing for your Excellency since the safety of my husband’s life now lies in your hands,” Lupiba’s wife Hennie Lou wrote in vernacular.

The NPA captured Lupiba when the rebels attacked a team of soldiers belonging to the 58th Infantry Battallion (58th IB) in the mountain barangay (village) of Alagatan in Gingoog City (Misamis Oriental) on July 11.