Tiamzons to be released

The Philippine Army said on Thursday it would comply with President Durterte’s order to release political prisoners as the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front begins later this month.

“The release of political prisoners is the prerogative of the President that we will support especially that it is related to peace,” Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said in a statement.

Malacañang earlier said a few political prisoners, including political CPP chair Benito Tiamzon and his wife, Wilma Austria, CPP secretary-general and finance officer, would be given safe conduct passes for the start of the talks on Aug. 20 in Oslo, Norway.

The couple was arrested by soldiers in Aloguinsan, Cebu in March 2014, and are currently detained in Camp Crame, Quezon City.  They are facing cases of crimes against humanity, kidnapping and multiple and frustrated murders.