NPA seeks ceasefire

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent

THE New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday called for a seven-day ceasefire in Caraga and northern Mindanao to allow rebels to release of Pfc. Adonis Jess Lupeba, the 26-year old soldier from Barangay Iponan, this city, who was taken captive following a clash in Barangay Alagatan, Gingoog City, on Saturday.

The NPA has claimed to have killed a soldier and hurt seven others in the attack. Allan Juanito, spokesperson of NPA in North Central Mindanao, said the NPA has no plans of holding Lupeba longer, and would free him within the proposed week-long ceasefire.

Juanito said the NPA plans to release Lupeba to a third party group that would have representatives from the Red Cross and the religious sector.

Lupeba was seized by rebels belonging to an NPA group operating in eastern Misamis Oriental and northeastern Bukidnon following a fierce encounter between guerrilla and Army forces in Alagatan, Gingoog City on Saturday afternoon. The NPA claimed it was a “tactical offensive” carried out against the military. (see related story on page 4)

Juanito said Lupeba was being treated fairly by rebels “like other prisoners of war,” and just like the others they freed last year, “guidelines must be followed” by the military and the third party facilitators.

Juanito also said Lupeba is not wounded contrary to some reports.

He said, “If they want Lupeba released as soon as possible, then the military has to agree and declare a ceasefire. Without a ceasefire, the lives of the soldier, members of our custodial unit, and the third party facilitators would be in danger.”

In a press statement, the NPA said Lupeba was seized in accordance with accepted rules of engagement, and was being treated based on the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law, and the NPA’s rules and eight points of discipline.

Juanito said the NPA was willing to forgo with its normal processes of investigation and revolutionary justice as a gesture of goodwill and its sincerity in seeking a resumption of peace talks with the government.

Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano sent a capitol team to Gingoog to provide relief and financial aid, including medical support, to civilians hurt as a result of the fightings that broke out at around 4 pm on Saturday. At least two civilians were hit by stray bullets. (with reports from edwin iyo)