NPA releases 3 captive cops to Duterte

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The New People’s Army released 3 captive policemen to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, February 26.

The policemen, who were released through the help of third party facilitators, including Duterte, are Police Officer 1 Jorie Amper, Police Officer 3 Democrito Polvorosa, and Police Officer 1 Marichel Contemplo.

Amper was snatched by communist guerrillas from Malimono town in November 12, 2014; and Contemplo and Polvorosa from the Alegria town several days later. Both towns are in Surigao del Norte.

NDF-Northeastern Mindanao spokesperson Maria Malaya said Malaya said the “chief reason” for the release is the “ardent request” of the policemen’s families, who had sought the intercession of Duterte.

Malaya added that the release of the policemen is a “gesture signifying the revolutionary movement’s serious intent on pursuing the peace talks between the NDFP and the GPH.”

On their 46th anniversary on December 26, 2014, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) announced that there were “ongoing peace negotiations” with the Aquino government to jumpstart the stalled talks. (READ: Communist Part confirms talks with PH government)

There were 3 previous attempts to release the captives – in November, during the Christmas holidays, and in January – but fell through due to the military’s alleged refusal to heed certain conditions imposed by the rebels. – Rappler.com