PNP cites Roxas over cops’ release

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas: ‘Exemplary leadership’. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–For arranging the successful release of four policemen captured last month by communist rebels, the Philippine National Police thanked Interior Secretary Mar Roxas for his fine act of leadership.

The four policemen were freed last Tuesday by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels which held them captive for 19 days in eastern Mindanao. The release was facilitated by Roxas.

“(Roxas) has shown exemplary leadership and statesmanship in working for the freedom of PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’Niel Morales, PO1 Joen Zabala and PO1 Edito Roquino. His efforts greatly boosted the morale of the officers and men of the PNP,” said Chief Supt. Dominador Aquino, the Caraga police regional director.

Roxas and PNP Director General Alan Purisima personally welcomed  last Tuesday the freed policemen, who were captured by the NPA in a July 10 raid of the Algeria town hall in Surigao del Norte.–Julie M. Aurelio