NPA to free cop chief
THE New People's Army (NPA) in Southern Mindanao yesterday said they are preparing for the safe release and turn-over of prisoner of war (POW) Governor Generoso station commander Chief Insp. Arnold S. Ongachen after he apologized for earlier mistake of having a sachet of shabu in his possession which he seized during a drug-bust operation.
This developed after the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) also ordered the release of all POWs who are in custody of the NPA rebels in the Davao Region.
In a statement issued by the New People's Army (NPA) yesterday, the rebels acknowledged the admission of guilt and apology of Ongachen after a sachet of shabu was seized from his possession during a raid by the NPA at the Gov. Generoso police station last May 29 where he was abducted.
Ongachen had admitted that he keep a sachet of shabu in his possession which he took during one of the buy-bust operations of his police officers.
"Humihingi po ako ng tawad sa masang Pilipino lalong-lalo na kay Pres. Rodrigo RoaDuterte, sa PNP organization at sa CPP-NPA-NDF sa pagkakamaliko pong paghawak ng isang sachet ng shabu na nakuha naming sa test buy na hindi ako dapat ang hahawak nito," Ongacehn said.
"Sa dahilan pong tiwalang-tiwalapo ako sa sarili ko na hindi ko po ito gagamitin dahil hindi po ako user. At ito po ang naging dahilan kung bakit tumagal ng ganito ang pag-kustodiya sa akin. Inuulit kopo, hindi po ako user, hindi po ako pusher at lalong-lalo na po hindi po ako protektor ng droga," he added.
Rigoberto F. Sanchez, spokesperson for the NPA-SM, said they are processing the release of Ongachen.
"His custodial unit has reported that the preparations are underway for his safe and orderly release," Sanchez said.
This move by the armed
wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is in connection with the declaration of the 7-day unilateral ceasefire which took effect last Saturday.
The release of the other POW Chief Insp. Michael B. Grande has yet to be declared by the NPA rebels.
The government peace panel along with NDFP consultants and CPP founder Joma Sison have started the resumption of peace talks in Oslo, Norway.