NPA rebels release 2 cops in Surigao del Norte

DAVAO CITY – Communist rebels on Wednesday released the two policemen they captured in a raid in Placer town in Surigao del Norte over a month ago, authorities said.

Chief Superintendent Noli Romana, the Caraga regional police chief, said Police Officers 2 Alfredo Degamon Jr. and John Paul Doverte were freed following the efforts of security forces and the municipal and provincial crisis management committee.

Surigao del Norte Vice Gov. Carlos Egay and Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra received the policemen at around 1:30 p.m., a report from the Caraga police regional office said.

The policemen’s release came as President Duterte declared a temporary ceasefire with the NPA from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2, 2018, whom he had earlier branded as a terrorist group.

Romana said the two policemen would undergo debriefing and medical examinations.

The lawmen were manning a police box in Placer proper when snatched by NPA guerrillas last Nov. 13.

Romana condemned the kidnapping, saying charges have been filed against “the [rebel] leaders and members” involved in the abduction.

“Meanwhile, we remind our policemen to be extra vigilant and always observe personal safety to avoid a similar incident (from happening again),” the regional police chief said.