Family seeks POW release, appeals for SOMO
March 14, 2004

Appeals from the family of Pfc Ronel Leme�o, who is a prisoner of war (POW) of the New People's Army (NPA), boosted calls for the immediate cessation of ongoing military pursuit operations in Camarines Sur.

In an interview over Naga City-based radio station DZLL last week, Leme�o's fiancee Irene Agno expressed concern over his safety amid continued operations by the Philippine Army's 42nd and 31st Infantry Battalions and 9th Scout Ranger Company in the province's Partido area.

Before Leme�o's capture, he and Agno, who is three months pregnant, were set to get married this month.

The same radio station also interviewed CPP spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal. Rosal assured Agno that Leme�o, as well as his fellow POW Lt. Ronaldo Fedelino are being treated well by their NPA custodians.

Rosal explained that the release of POWs is "a two-way process." He said that the "speedy release of the two depends primarily on the how soon the Arroyo government will initiate negotiations and come to terms with the NDF over the release."

Meanwhile, members of the Leme�o family also arrived in Bicol from their native Agusan del Sur last week and are appealing for the safe and immediate release of the captured soldier.

The NPA's Romulo Jallores Command has earlier called on the government to order the immediate suspension of military operations in Camarines Sur to ensure the safety of the POWs and pave the way for their orderly release.

Human rights organizations and advocates in the province have also demanded the same while denouncing the increasing abuse on civilians in the affected barangays who have become victims of wanton reprisal by government soldiers engaged in pursuit operations.

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

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Family seeks POW release, appeals for SOMO March 14, 2004

Family seeks POW release, appeals for SOMO
March 14, 2004