NPA holds two POWs in Bicol, calls on AFP to stop operations
March 4, 2004

The Communist Party of the Philippines today said that the New People's Army is holding two prisoners of war (POWs) in the Bicol region after successfully carrying out an ambush against the Philippine Army's 42nd Infantry Batallion in the early morning of March 2 at Baranggay Bataan, Tinambac, Camarines Sur.

According to Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal, CPP spokesman, the two POWs of the NPA are Lt. Boots Sedelino, Commanding Officer of the 42nd IB, and Private First Class Ronnel Leminio.

Three 42nd IB soldiers were killed in the ambush. Rosal said the NPA recovered the slain soldiers' rifles--two M203s and one M14.

Rosal said that the NPA is referring to the NDF peace panel for negotiations with the government with regard the orderly release of the POWs.

Rosal also called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to immediately cease its military operations in the area. The AFP has deployed a batallion in the area since March 2, endangering the safety of the POWs and impeding their speedy and orderly release.

Rosal complained that the AFP soldiers are terrorizing civilian communities in the area.

Reference:
Anne Buenaventura
Media Officer
Cellphone Number: +63910-240-3553

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NPA holds two POWs in Bicol, calls on AFP to stop operations March 4, 2004

NPA holds two POWs in Bicol, calls on AFP to stop operations
March 4, 2004