Reds snatch militiaman in Surigao Sur

SURIGAO City–Communist rebels on Thursday snatched a member of the Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) at his home in Tandag City.

The Army identified the Cafgu member as Jeremias  Estrada of Purok Lansones, Barangay San Agustin Norte, Tandag City, the capital of Surigao del Sur.

Estrada is under the Matho Patrol Base in Barangay Matho, Cortes town in Surigao del Sur.

Reports said he was whisked away by heavily armed men inside his house at 7 am Thursday.

Lt. Col. Randolph Rojas, commander of 36th Infantry Battalion, said Estrada was off-duty and spending time with his family when four armed men with AK 47 rifles barged into his house and hogtied him before taking him with them.

He said the armed men ignored pleas by his family not to take him away.

Rojas said the victim’s wife Berlinda appealed to the abductors not to harm her husband because he is the “breadwinner” of the family.

The Army official said Berlinda saw over 20 heavily armed men outside their residence.

“What will happen to us if my husband who is earning for us will be gone?” Roxas quoted her as saying.

Rojas has condemned the abduction. He said the incident showed the insincerity of the rebels to pursue the peace talks.

“This shows that their movement no longer adheres to principles and ideology as this is the handiwork of bandits. I call on everyone to help the military and police in order to give immediate justice to our friend,” he said.

“We have ongoing rescue operations along with our police force,” said Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas of the 36th Infantry Battalion.

Ka Sandra, spokesperson of NPA Guerrilla Front 30 operating in Tandag and neighboring towns admitted over radio station DxBC-Butuan on Thursday afternoon, that they abducted Estrada. (roel catoto of mindanews)