MONTEVISTA, Compostela Valley, Philippines--The New People’s Army released shortly before noon Sunday Cpl. Dominador Alegre in Barangay Prosperidad in Montevista, Compostela Valley Province.

Ka Jinggoy of the 4th Pulang Bagani Company of the NPA’s Merardo Arce Command said Alegre’s release was in response to the call of the soldier’s family and after he was acquitted of charges of committing grave human rights violations before a rebel court.
“The decision to release Alegre— the prisoner of war —came after he was cleared…and because the communist movement feels for his family,” Ka Jinggoy said.

“He is here before you, in good health…and we wish to convey to the public that we are mindful of the POW’s human rights and we respected them as they are protected by international laws governing human rights,” Ka Jinggoy said.

Alegre, detachment commander of the military outpost in Barangay Casoon in Monkayo town was taken by communist guerrillas following a raid last Nov. 2. The rebels also carted away 18 high-powered firearms.

Interviewed by journalists who witnessed the release Sunday, Alegre admitted that the successful raid staged by the guerrillas was because of “lapses on our part.”

Alegre turned emotional during his release. “I just want to go home now…I just want to be with my family,” he said.

“I was treated well,” he added.

He was turned over by the rebels to Bishop Delfin Callao of the Philippine Independent Church and Monkayo Vice Mayor Avelino Cabag. Also present during his release were members of human rights group Karapatan-Southern Mindanao, other members of the religious community and local government unit officials.