2 soldiers, 6 CAFGUs released by NPA in Agusan del Sur

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – Eight soldiers and Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) militiamen were released by the New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday afternoon.

The released captives were identified as PFC Darlino Carino Jr. and Cpl. Eric Manangan of the Army’s Third Special Forces unit, and CAFGUs Jimuel Acebedo, Abel Iligan, Rolando Quiao, James Iligan, Gabriel Iligan, and Janjan Iligan.

They were turned-over to former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” Go and Presidential son Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte in Sitio Hugmacan, Barangay San Juan here at around 3 p.m of February 19.

They were among those abducted by the rebels from their detachment in Barangay New Tubigon, Sibagat, Agusan Del Sur last December 19, 2018.

Go bared he has been part of the efforts to secure the release the remaining NPA hostages. He said that a friend of Baste, who is a relative of one of the hostages, sought help to free the captives.

“Noong nakaraang taon, mayroong kaibigan si Baste na kamaganak ng sundalong nanawagan sa akin para manghingi ng tulong (Last year, a friend of the presidential son who is a relative of one of the captive soldiers called me for help),” Go said.

The former SAP said he immediately coordinated with Governor Adolph Edward Plaza and other local officials who may be able to help facilitate the release of the NPA captives.