Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—After spearheading the release of the four kidnapped policemen from the custody of communist rebels, Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas of the Interior and Local Government praised local officials from Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte.
In a statement, Roxas singled out governors Angel Amante of Agusan del Norte and Sol Matugas of Surigao del Norte for their efforts to free Police Officer 3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquino on July 29 from the New People’s Army after getting kidnapped on July 10.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to those local government officials of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte that poured in their time and effort for the release of the police officers,” Roxas said.
“I want to particularly thank Gov. Amante who led other LGU officials to talk personally to the NPA rebels on the day the policemen were released.”
Roxas also had high praises for Matugas and her husband, Surigao del Norte Representative Lalo Matugas who formed and set in motion a Provincial Local Crisis Committee to assure the release of the police officers.
“Thanks to her efforts, the negotiations have been good between us and the National Democratic Front and that the policemen were returned safely to their loved ones,” Roxas said.
“The LGU officials in Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte that they are ready to extend their help for the welfare of the captured policemen and their families.”
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