By LITO RULONA
Correspondent
RELIGIOUS leaders yesterday cautioned the police and military against taking drastic measures in response to the abduction of policemen and soldiers in Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Agusan del Norte last weekend.
A government offensive might adversely affect civilians in outlying villages, feared Iglesia Filipina Independiente Bishop Felixberto Calang over local radio interview.
Calang said government troops should go slow if not, stop pursuing communist rebels who snatched three police officers and two soldiers. He called for negotiations so as not to aggravate the peace and order situation in the Northern Mindanao and Caraga provinces.
The local Roman Catholic archdiocese has signified its intention to help. According to Msgr. Precious Cabunoc, the archdiocese has similar apprehensions.
Calang said he has noted that the New People’s Army (NPA) released some of the captives.
“There is no need for a military operation. Nagpasabot lang nga importante ang negotiations sa matag-mabihag sa mga rebelde. There were no demands but only requirements for release,” Calang said.
He said that based on experience, a ceasefire may need to be effected as a condition for the release of the captives, and a crisis committee or a third party may need to be formed.
Calang said, “Dili madali but through negotiations dako kini og mahatag nga kahigayunan nga maka-balik gyud ang mga dinakpan.”
On Monday, Chief Supt. Lyndel Desquitado, police director for Region 10, ordered a “full red alert” while Maj. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., 4th Infantry Division commander, ordered pursuit operations against the guerrillas.
Calang said a military offensive might only put at risk the abducted soldiers and policemen.
Last weekend, rebels set up roadblocks in Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Agusan del Norte, and seized SPO4 Rene Rombo, SPO1 Warren Hansol Coñales, and PO3 Edwin Castor in Region 10, and Pfcs. Glenn Autria and Diven Abion Tawide of the 23rd Infantry Battalion in Caraga.
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
