NPA turns over 8 captives to Go

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

The released captives – Private First Class Darlino Carino Jr. and Cpl. Eric Manangan of the Army’s 3rd Special Forces along with CAFGUs Jimuel Acebedo, Abel Iligan, Rolando Quiao, James Iligan, Gabriel Iligan, and Janjan Iligan – were turned over to former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” Go and Presidential son Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte at Sitio Hugmacan, Barangay San Juan around 3 p.m.

The eight were abducted in their detachment in Barangay New Tubigon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur last Dec. 19, 2018.

Go bared that he has been part of the ongoing effort since December of last year to secure the release of 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,” 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.

Go stressed that the release of the NPA hostages just proved that dialogue is a potent tool in resolving differences.

“Ito ang lagi kong sinasabi, magusap na lang tayo. Sino ba naman ang Pilipino na gustong magkaroon ng giyera at makipagpatayan sa kapwa Pilipino?” he asked.

He said President Rodrigo Duterte and him is hurt everytime a soldier, policeman and rebel killed because of war.

The former SAP thanked the military officials for their cooperation and exercise of restraint that made the negotiations for the release of the hostages possible.