LEGAZPI CITY—Barely one week just after the release of two soldiers who were held captive for more than five months, the rebel New Peoples Army (NPA) members here in Bicol have taken prisoners of war anew, two recruits of the Civilian Arm Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu).

When pressed by the Bicol Mail , Army General Ramon Santos, commanding officer of the 901st Infantry Brigade based in Villahermosa, Daraga, Albay identified the captive Cafgu as Alan Magara, resident of Polangui, Albay and Henry Nabor.

In an interview with the BM, General Santos said militia men were taken from two separate places in Camalig town. “Magara who was visiting his wife in Barangay Mina was abducted at about 4:30 Tuesday afternoon. And while withdrawing, they chanced upon Nabor in Barangay Taladong,” he said.

According to Santos, both the two soldiers were actually on their way to their families as they availed of the 3-day vacation leave while suspension of military operation (Somo) was in place. “We just took advantage of the Somo and I issued a three to four-day leave for them,” cleared Santos adding that Magara and Nabor were actually in the third batch already of those granted with the privilege.

As of press time, Santos was still trying to reach officials of the militant BayanMuna to ask on the ground of the taking. Bayan Muna members were the ones who facilitated for the release last week of Lt. Ronaldo Fidelino and Pfc Ronnel Nemeño.

General Santos shared, they were confident on the Somo and was expecting the NPAs to respect what they themselves have earlier demanded.

Santos believed that the group of Iglicerio Pereña alias “Ka Choy” was responsible for the abduction.
Army Southern Luzon Command spokesperson Major Jose Broso condemned the move of the NPAs and questioned the rebel’s sincerity.

Being indignant, he said, “That’s the problem with them! It’s so hard to rely on their actions. They’re all words. While sincere intentions are not in their organization,” said Broso.

He also accused the NPAs of their ‘terroristic’ activities hitting only the soft target, he said, referring to the two Fagcu recruits who are not even in the regular forces.

Meanwhile, Lt. Ronaldo Fidelino and his wife have just celebrated their third wedding anniversary yesterday, exactly one week after Fidelino’s release from captivity.

The couple had spent the occasion at their residence in Fort Bonifacio.

“It’s a simple celebration, but the good thing is that we’re complete!” Fidelino happily said in a cellphone interview.

With the big support of the government, according to Fidelino, he has recovered from his more than five months ordeal in the hands of the enemies. Upon learning Magara and Nabor’s captivity, Lieutenant Fidelino soberly said in Tagalog, “It’s already part of our job. It’s also the very first thing I thought when I was in their situation,” he said adding that he is also praying for the safety of Magara and Nabor.

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