Two soldiers captured in Comval still in rebel hands

DAVAO CITY, Oct 15 (PIA) Amid the heating political atmosphere due to the filing of certificates of candidacy, two soldiers still remain in the hands of the New People’s Army rebels after they were abducted two weeks ago in Barangay Casoon, Compostela Valley.

Captain Ryan Bachar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division  said the military still conducts its rescue mission to free the victims Privates First Class Marjon Anover and Nino Alavaro, members of the peace and development team of the 25th Infantry Battalion.

He clarified that the soldiers were on their way for a furlough or  an administrative break when accosted by the rebels on a chokepoint on their way to Barangay Casoon in September 30.

Bachar said the incident happened following the killing of a militia nearby.

“They were not on combat operation.  In fact, they were travelling as individuals when they were abducted by the rebels,” Bachar said.

He narrated that one of the victims is the sole breadwinner of a family, responsible for sending children to school.

Bachar said the soldier’s parents already approach the military leadership since they merely rely on the meager salary of the victim just to send five siblings to school and livelihood for a younger sister.

He said the soldier carries his automated teller-machine card and failed to hand it over to his mother prior to the incident.

“We hope that through the aid of the civilians, they can provide precise information for the release of our two soldiers who are members of the 25th Infantry Battalion,” Bachar said.

The rebels in a communique confirmed that the two soldiers remain in their custody and will be tried in the revolutionary court if found guilty of abuse.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)