No military operation vs NPA holding two soldiers

February 17, 2017

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—  The military will not undertake an operation against members of communist New Peoples’ Army in southern Mindanao who are holding two soldiers in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.

Army Sgt. Solaiman Calocop and Pfc. Samuel Garay of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion were abducted by NPAs in Barangay Telefas on February 1.

Senior Inspector Bernard Francia, Columbio police commander, said Friday the military  agreed to let the Crisis Management Committee work out how the soldiers can be freed.

“The military under 39th IB respects the efforts of local government to ensure nothing will happen to their men,” Francia said.

The NPA’s Valentin Palamine Regional Operations Command-Far South Mindanao told the military and the soldiers’ families they are being treated well. DMS