THE New People's Army (NPA) on Monday, May 15, said they are investigating accounts accusing captured soldier, Technical Sergeant Joseph Paredes, of committing several human rights violations and extortion activities, among others.
In a statement signed by Ka Malen Mabini, spokesperson of the NPA-Northern Central Mindanao Region (NCMR), he said the NPA is currently looking into Paredes' service in the Philippine Army.
The NPA statement notes that people providing information against Paredes are increasing.
However, the NPA clarified that the custodial unit will continue to treat Paredes fairly.
"Tubagon ang iyang mga batakang panginahanglan aron pabiling himsog ug luwas sa unsa mang kadaut sa iyang kaugalingon ug kinabuhi (We will cater to his needs so he will remain healthy and safe from any threats to his life and self)," the statement said.
The NPA also pointed out that, at this point, it is still early to negotiate with anyone for Paredes' immediate release, as he is still under investigation.
"Tugutan una nato ang mga kauban nga gitugyanan sa pagsubay ug pagtuki sa pagkatawo ni T.Sgt. Paredes ug paghatag og rekomendasyon pinasikad sa mga kasayuran nga ilang makuha (Let us allow them to investigate Paredes and wait for the recommendations they would give from the results they would get from investigating)," the NPA adds.
It can be recalled that Paredes was captured last May 5 after he chanced upon a rebel-manned checkpoint near Juanilla Subdivision in the city, where the rebels were conducting a raid at an office of a security agency.
Paredes was reported off-duty when taken by the rebels.
The family has already sought help from Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri and the third party facilitator Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) bishop Felixberto Calang, which has also offered to help in the negotiations.
