We have received urgent information that Ka Veejo, an elderly retired cadre of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was arrested last March 8 by the 803rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay San Jose (Hibubulyao), Catubig, Northern Samar.

According to initial reports, he was taken together with local residents Siloy Mendez and Antonio Ero. Two military helicopters landed on the barrio at around 12:40 p.m. to pick them up.

Ka Veejo, who is in his mid-70s, is ailing and suffers from diabetes. He has been retired from active duties in the Party.

We demand the AFP to immediately surface and release Ka Veejo, Mendez and Ero. We will hold the officers of the AFP responsible for any harm that may befall the three.

We further demand that Ka Veejo be afforded medical and legal services of his choice in accordance with his rights.