Army: NPA rebels in Davao del Sur free 5 hostages

MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur – The Army announced on Saturday that the five civilians taken as hostages by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels fleeing pursuing soldiers had been released on Friday.

“The five civilian hostages, including Barangay San Miguel Councilor Enteng Bunal, were released on Friday,” Obligado said.

He said the NPA rebels, who were fleeing after attacking a paramilitary detachment in Barangay Bacungan on Thursday evening, seized the civilians and used them as human shields to deter pursuing troops.

The rebels suffered four deaths in the ensuing clashes. One of the slain rebels was later identified as Jay Capalla.

“They are safe now,” Obligado said of the hostages.

But Obligado said the Army suffered yet another casualty in the running gun battle resulting from the pursuit operation. This brought the total Army death toll to two, he said.

Obligado said the latest casualty was Private First Class Arnel Apacible.

Lt. Col. Alex Bravo, commanding officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion, said the NPA rebels were now trying to disengage from the battle and were seeking refuge in the borders of Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur.

Bravo said the Army was determined to pursue the rebels especially as they were sighted heading to areas which had no known civilian population.

“We expect another encounter as we are tracking them down. This is a mountainous area and no civilian would be trapped in the expected firefight,” Bravo said.

He said they had coordinated with the local governments of Columbio, Sultan Kudarat and Magsaysay town in case the clashes occur near civilian areas.

“We have asked them to assist civilians for possible evacuations,” Bravo said.–Orlando Dinoy with a report from Germelina Lacorte, Inquirer Mindanao