MANILA, Philippines – Two kidnapped army soldiers were released in Bukidnon on Friday, December 26, by the New People’s Army (NPA).

The victims, Private First Class soldiers Jerrel H Yorong and Marnel T Cinches were released to civil authorities, religious leaders, and media personalities at about 1 pm, according to Public Affairs Officer Major Ezra Balagtey of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command. 

Malaybalay City, where the two were released, is about two hours away from the city. As of 5:30 pm, the army said they hadn’t gained custody of the two soldiers.

The two are currently traveling to Cagayan de Oro (CDO) with negotiators and are expected to be turned over to the city’s archbishop, before being confined at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital, Camp Evangelista, CDO City for medical check-up and stress debriefing.

“We are hopeful that the NPA will also free all other kidnap victims that they are currently holding,” Balagtey said in a text message to reporters.

The two soldiers were kidnapped in Impasugong, Bukidnon on August 22 while they were riding a motorcycle en route to Bgy Bontongon. At the time of their kidnap, they were detailed to the 8th IB and were reported to be unarmed and in civilian clothes. They were on their way to a livelihood mission.

In September, the military junked the demand of the NPA for a 10-day suspension of military and police operations in exchange for the release of the two soldiers, saying it does not negotiate with terrorists. – Rappler.com