Reports from Correspondents: On the status of the POWs in Far South Mindanao
The Valentin Palamine Command (VPC) of the NPA-Far South Mindanao has assured the GRP that the prisoners of war under its care namely Sgt. Jeremias Rosete Jr., Pepito Simbulan, Wilfredo Maldecir and Herminia Sorongon Maldecir are being treated humanely. They were arrested on September 4 in Barangay Lam-alis, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat for acts of espionage against the revolutionary movement.
According to Ka Dencio Madrigal, commander of the VPC, the four POWs had pending cases for violations of international rules of war.
The VPC assured that the trial process for the POWs were in accordance with the legal and judicial systems and processes of the People's Democratic Government and the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). They have been accorded humane treatment and have been through the proper judicial processes. The comrades are also providing Sergeant Rosete with the necessary medical attention.
The NDFP negotiating panel is now preparing for the release of the four POWs upon receipt of the request from the GRP forwarded in November.
The VPC decried the intensified military operations of the AFP in Far South Mindanao, especially in the eight towns covered by Western Mining Corporation which is also a guerrilla zone. The custodial force for the POWs have already had two encounters with the military. Ka Madrigal reiterated the demand for the immediate cessation of operations so as not to endanger the lives of the POWs and to prevent a repeat of the fate of P/CI Abelardo Martin on March 8 in Southern Tagalog.
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