Militiaman released ahead of peace talks

TANDAG CITY – The militiaman, who was abducted by Communist rebels six days ago in this city, was released by the custodial force of the New People’s Army (NPA) Monday in Palo Cinco, Barangay Buenavista here.

Jeremias E. Estrada, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliary (CAA), was turned over by officers of the guerilla-Front Committee 30 of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee to Tandag City Mayor Alexander Pimentel at 1:30 p.m. on Monday.

According to the NPA, Estrada was released as a form of goodwill ahead of the Fifth Round of Peace Talks between the Philippine Government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the political organization of the Communist movement, which starts Saturday in Noordwijk Ann-see, The Netherlands.

Estrada was taken from his residence in Purok Lansones, Barangay San Agustin Norte here at 7 a.m. last Wednesday by about 30 heavily armed insurgents.

His abduction was condemned by the local government unit officials and the AFP, according to Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, spokesperson of the Army’s 36th Infantry Battallion (36th IB) said.

Pimentel thanked the NPA for letting Estrada return to his family and for treating him well during his captivity.

The released CAA member was snatched at his home at 7 a.m. last Wednesday May 17, 2017 by the NPA.