NPA captures ex-soldier in Comval

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Barely a day after the New People’s Army (NPA) released PO3 Ruben Nojapa Jr in Comspotela Valley, an ex-soldier was nabbed in a checkpoint manned by communist fighters in Mabini town on Wednesday morning, April 3.

Ka Daniel Ibarra, spokesperson of the ComVal-Davao Gulf Sub-regional Command of the NPA, said 25-year-old Pfc Mark Anthony Conception was captured at around 6 in the morning.

However, Ibarra said their investigation shows that Conception is no longer on active duty under the 71st Infantry Battalion.

“While under NPA custody, the custodial force found, upon further perusal of his enlistment papers, that Conception was not anymore in active military duty as of December 2012,” Ibarra said.

The NPA said the custodial unit would immediately facilitate the release of Conception.

“Thus, his release from NPA custody shall be undertaken soon once conditions on the ground warrant a safety reunion with his family,” Ibarra said.

The communist revolution in the Philippines is the longest running in Asia. The rebels observed its 44th founding anniversary on March 29.

Peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the rebels began in 1986, after dictator Ferdinand Marcos was ousted, but the on-again, off-again talks have not moved beyond minor agreements. – Rappler.com