Kidnapped cop found dead in Surigao Del Norte; police blame NPA

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman was found dead in Surigao Del Norte on Tuesday, almost three weeks after he was kidnapped by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

According to Caraga police director Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., Staff Sgt. Restie Dandan was kidnapped by suspected NPA rebels on July 31 in Brgy. San Isidro in Sison town while traveling to Sison Municipal Police Station where he was assigned.

Dandan was later found dead in the mountainous area of Sitio Napo, Barangay Matin-ao in Mainit town. He had gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

In a statement, Esquivel said the entire police force condemns “in the strongest manner” the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed group NPA for the crime.

“This dastardly and barbaric act proved that the CPP-NPA terrorists never uphold the rule of law and are just good in disguising as protectors of the people,” he said.

Esquivel described Dandan as someone “known to be a humble and hardworking police officer.”

“Even in his previous assignments or in the community where he is residing, he did not have a derogatory record,” said the official.

The police and the military are conducting joint operations to arrest the killers of Dandan.

“The death of PSSg Dandan widowed his wife and orphaned his son and two daughters. We share the grief of his family, relatives, workmates, and friends over the loss of a good law enforcer,  husband,  and father. At all costs we will ensure that justice will be served soon,” added Esquivel.

JPV