NPA rebels free abducted soldier in North Cotabato

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—The communist New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday afternoon released a soldier whom it has held captive for five days.

The release occurred a day after another NPA unit freed five policemen in a hinterland village here on Monday.

READ: Communist rebels free 5 cops captured in Davao City

Freed in Tulunan town in North Cotabato was Private First Class Edgardo Hilaga of the 7th Infantry Battalion based in Mlang town.

Hilaga was captured by the NPA rebels in Sitio (sub-village) Balawan in Barangay (village) Malasila in Makilala town last April 21.

Police earlier said Hilaga was taken by the rebels who had set up a checkpoint in Barangay Malasila.

Hilaga was then riding a motorcycle when he was stopped at the NPA checkpoint.

On Monday, Duterte also received the five police officers who were held by the NPA during an encounter last April 16. RAM

READ: NPA rebels turn over 5 abducted cops to Duterte