Temporary suspension of military and police operations will pave the way for the implementation of the CPP order to release NPA detainees in Surigao

Rigoberto Sanchez 
Spokesperson
NPA Southern Mindanao (Merardo Arce Command)

Focus topics: 

light of the Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee-Communist Party of the Philippines decision to suspend the judicial proceedings against Mayor Henry Dano and order his release on account of his conveyance of an apology, and the Merardo Arce Command-Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command of the NPA’s suspension of military court procedures against AFP intelligence officers and Prisoners of War Cpl. Alrey Desamparado (Serial No. 832272) and Pfc. Alan Saban (Serial No 846458), the undertaking of the release procedures by the custodial unit requires a definite yet temporary cessation of AFP/PNP military and police operations in selected areas.

Hence, the ball is now in the court of the GPH and its Eastern Mindanao Command-AFP who commands the 10th and 4th Infantry Divisions. Its 75th and 67th IBs must temporarily halt all of its offensive military operations in specific towns in Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur and Compostela Valley provinces. The particular scope within which the custodial unit would select the release site are the following towns: Bislig and Lingig in Surigao del Sur, Boston & Cateel in Davao Oriental, Trento in Agusan del Sur, and Monkayo and Compostela in Compostela Valley.

Security considerations are of primordial importance to be able to effect the safe and orderly release of Mayor Henry Dano, Cpl. Alrey Desamparado and Pfc. Alan Saban. As has been the case in previous releases, no problems arise if and when the AFP andPNP temporarily cease their offensive operations.

As soon as a release site is determined and the related security matters are cleared, the release shall expeditiously proceed. It is hoped that the AFP/PNP will no longer undertake actions that will cause the unnecessary delay of this procedure.