Operations to rescue Surigao Sur mayor to continue, says military

MANILA, Philippines—The military will not let up in its operations against the kidnappers of Lingig, Surigao del Sur, Mayor Henry S. Dano, despite a tape-recorded appeal from Dano to suspend military operations, a spokesman said Thursday.

According to Major Eugenio Osias, spokesman of the 4th Infantry Division, the military is coordinating with the crisis management committee in charge of facilitating negotiations for the release of Dano and his two military escorts Private First Class Allan Pelino Saban and Corporal Alrey Villasis Desamparado, who were abducted by armed men believed to be members of the communist New People’s Army in Lingig town last August 6.

“It is not [up to us] to stop the military operations,” said Osias. He added that troops, led by 4th ID Commander Major General Victor Felix, will continue military operations against the NPA rebels. He added that the military is conducting rescue operations and not regular hot pursuit operations. “That is for the safe recovery of the kidnap victims. Our foremost concern is to have a safe release of the victims,” Osias added.

Osias said that since this is a kidnapping case, the military is likewise coordinating with the Philippine National Police.

Nevertheless, Osias said that they will adhere to whatever order the crisis committee will give them.

An e-mail message containing Dano’s voice message and photos of him and his two security escorts was reportedly sent to members of the media by Rubi del Mundo, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao.

In his message addressed to President Aquino, Dano asked for the suspension of military operations to give way to his and his security escort’s release.