MANILA – (UPDATE) The Philippine Army confirmed Tuesday the release by the New People's Army of 1Lt. Vicente Cammayo, an officer taken captive during an encounter in Compostela Valley on Nov. 7, 2008.

Cammayo's wife Mariel also confirmed through a text message to the Inquirer that her husband was released Tuesday morning.

“He was released na [already]. I was able to talk with him around 11:45 a.m.,” said Mrs. Cammayo, who had repeatedly appealed to communist rebels for her husband’s release.

Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Brawner, Army spokesman, said Cammayo was released around 10:30 a.m. at Barangay (Village) Kausagan in Loreto Town, Agusan Sur.

In a statement, the Armed Forces said Cammayo was received by Davao City Vice Mayor Sarah Duterte in Loreto town around 10:30 a.m., and then brought to the Eastern Mindanao Command's headquarters in Panacan, Davao City.

"The release of Lieutenant Cammayo is a result of the concerted efforts of the local govt officials, family of Lieutenant Cammayo and the security forces in the area," said Colonel Ernesto Torres, AFP spokesman.

The military was, however, firm that "there's no reason for anybody to be grateful to the NPA" for Cammayo's release.

"The release of Lt. Cammayo is not an act of goodwill. Being a clear criminal act, those who are behind the abduction must be held responsible under a legitimate justice system and we shall continue our vigorous military operation to pursue the abductors," Torres said.

The AFP also maintained that it was not involved in any negotiation as the military drew up a rescue operation after his capture on November 7.