TWO town mayors in Bukidnon have asked police and military officials to suspend operations to pave the way for the safe release of a police officer still held captive by the communist New People's Army (NPA).
In a letter dated April 6, Mayor Miguel Silva of Pangantucan town requested Police Superintendent Tyrone Masigon, the town's police chief, and Col. Eric Vinoya, Army's 403rd Birgade Commander to cease from conducting police and military operations "for the meantime" in the said municipality.
Kalilangan town Mayor Omaradji C. Pizarro sent the same request to army and police officials assigned in the area.
Police Officer 2 Anthony Natividad, who was captured by the NPA rebels almost two months ago, is a resident of Pangantucan but assigned to the municipality of Kalilangan.
The government peace panel and the National Democratic Front signed on April 5 an interim joint ceasefire agreement.
The Philippine Army's operations covered 15 villages of Talakag town, 14 villages of Lantapan, 10 villages of Baungon, 10 villages of Malaybalay City particularly in the areas near Mt. Kitanglad, 10 villages of Pangantucan, 5 villages in Kalilangan, and 10 villages in Valencia City, near Mt. Katalungan, from March 27 to April 6.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eduardo Año last April 2 said the NPA cannot expect a temporary ceasefire for Natividad's release.
He said it is not necessary to declare a temporary ceasefire when the rebels can just simply turn over the captives to the local government units, the religious sector, or the media, citing that the “rebels have done this before.”
Stephanie Natividad, wife of the captive police officer, said she was disappointed that the Army cannot grant this request.
"Disappointed gyud kaayo ko tungod kay niabot na hapit ug duha ka bulan akong bana sa mga kamot sa NPA pero wala pa gihapon kini na-release. Ang akong panawagan sa AFP ug PNP nga hinaot pa unta hatagan nila ug bili ang kinabuhi sa akong bana nga wala nag-depende sa ranggo (I am very disappointed that my husband has not been released after almost two months in captivity. My call to the AFP and PNP is that they should give value to my husband's life regardless of his rank)," she said.
"Nagpakiluoy ko sa mga kadagkuan sa AFP ug PNP malooy intawon sila aprobahan unta ang suspension arun hapsay nga makauli akong bana (I am begging the officials of AFP and PNP to have mercy and suspend operations for the safe release of my husband)," added Natividad’s wife.
She said her family was relieved that the NPA has assured Natividad's well-being.
