Rebels yet to decide on jail guards' fate

Source: Sun star

THE New People's Army (NPA) is yet to decide within three days whether to release the four Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) officials its members abducted in Bukidnon province, a jail officer said.

Clint Russel Tangeres, BJMP assistant regional director, said the fate of four BJMP officials will be known after three days based on the message they received from the NPA.

"Hulaton pa daw ang tulo ka adlaw kon buhian o dili ang mga personnel kay naghimo og kaugalingong investigation ang mga members sa NPA," Tangeres said in an interview over Magnum radio.

On Thursday, about 200 heavily armed communist insurgents seized Inspector Erico Llamasarez, 26, jail warden of Ozamiz City Jail; Inspector Murphy B. Tudyog, 27, of the Lumbia City Jail in Cagayan de Oro; SJO2 Rogelio Begontes; and JO1 Rolando D. Bajuyo Jr. along Sitio Rawari, Malo-os in Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

The BJMP officials were on their way to Davao City on board a BJMP vehicle carrying eight inmates from Ozamiz City Jail when the incident happened.

The inmates were scheduled to be turned over to the Davao Penal Colony.

The NPA rebels also rescued one inmate identified as Dennis Rodinas, an alleged member of the communist rebel group who as charged for illegal possession of explosive component.

It was learned that Rodinas, aside from being a bomb expert, is also the NPA's finance officer.

The group also seized 11 firearms, six cellular phones and an undetermined amount of cash from the BJMP personnel.

The family and relatives of the BJMP personnel earlier made their appeal to the rebel group not to hurt the jail guards and free them, especially since they are just doing their job.

The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Philippine Army strongly condemned the abduction.

"The inmate was already convicted and committed violations against the law but they didn't respect justice, instead they rescued him. They said they are here to defend people but they are not and they should stop doing this as a group concern to our country," said Major Eugene Osias, 4ID spokesperson.

Osias said the NPA's main purpose in abducting the four BJMP officials is to use them as human shield against the government troops.

He said the 4ID is now on alert and is prepared for "possible aggression by the NPA."