DAVAO CITY—Communist guerrillas released a video clip as proof of life of the police chief of Governor Generoso town in Davao Oriental province who is being held captive by the guerrillas and accused of involvement in drug trafficking in the town.
In the 32-second clip, Chief Insp. Arnold Ongachen (not Olgachen as previously reported) said he was hopeful about his release from captivity by the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed component of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Ongachen said he was being treated fairly by the guerrillas.
But he made no mention of the accusation that he was a drug user and protector of the illegal drug trade in the town.
NPA leaders said guerrillas raided the town of Governor Generoso on May 29 to put a stop to the illegal drug trade there.
In a statement that followed the attack, the guerrillas said a sachet of “shabu” was found in the possession of Ongachen when he was taken captive.
Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte said he would not lift a finger to rescue Ongachen after he learned about the guerrilla accusation against the officer.
Earlier this week, Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, Southern Mindanao police director, said an investigation he ordered into Ongachen showed that the captive officer was not involved in drugs. Allan Nawal, Inquirer Mindanao