Another Red leader freed for peace talks

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY―An alleged New People’s Army (NPA) leader facing various charges, including murder, walked out of the Misamis Oriental provincial jail after he was granted bail on Thursday.

Alfredo Mapano, also known as “Ka Paris,” was freed after prison officials received the court order for his temporary liberty issued by Judge Florencia Abbu of the Regional Trial Court Branch 17 after he paid a P100,000 bail bond.

He is to join other freed colleagues later this month in peace talks aimed at ending one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies slated in Oslo, Norway.

“I am happy with the warm welcome [for me]. I feel that a lot of people love and empathize with my situation,” he said as jubilant militant leaders and pro-peace groups welcomed his release.

“It’s an honor to represent the region and attend the peace talks,” said Mapano, who belongs to two reciprocal committees of the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political wing of the communist movement.

The military described Mapano as a leader of the NPA in north-central Mindanao when he was arrested in August 2009. He is facing various charges, including murder.

Mapano said he would be taking part in at least two discussions focusing on constitutional reforms and cessation of hostilities during the talks.

NDF legal counsel Edre Olalia said that as of Thursday afternoon, eight NDF consultants had already been released from detention. The others freed were Alex Birondo, Winona Birondo, Concha Bocala, Alan Jazmines, Tirso Alcantara, Renante Gamara and Ernesto Lorenzo.

Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, as well as more than 10 others, are  expected to be released anytime.

At least 22 NDF consultants are expected to  participate in the peace talks from Aug. 22-27, aimed at ending one of Asia’s longest and bloodiest insurgencies that has stumped economic growth in the countryside.

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the release of the rebel consultants so the talks can move along. The peace talks were put in doubt after he angrily lifted a unilateral ceasefire after a rebel attack that killed one progovernment militiaman. Jigger Jerusalem, Inquirer Mindanao