N. Cotabato cop being held by NPA to be freed–spokesperson

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato — The National Democratic Front (NDF)-Southern Mindanao said Arakan Valley town policeman Police Officer 3 Maula Ali will be freed today (Wednesday) in an undisclosed area in the province.

Rubi Del Mundo, NDF spokesperson for Southern Mindanao region, said Ali’s release date was reached following the military’s adherence to the New People’s Army’s demand for a temporary stop to military operations in the province so that the policeman could be handed over to negotiators.

Lieutenant Nashrula Sema, Civil-Military Officer (CMO) of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion, confirmed that a suspension of miliutary operation was declared in deference to a request from negotiators facilitating Ali’s safe release.

Ali was abducted by NPA rebels as he was on his way to his farm in President Roxas town on April 19.
The rebels also initially seized his wife and son but later freed them.