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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Surigao del Norte governor appeals to NPA to release police officer

Surigao del Norte governor appeals to NPA to release police officer

Published Aug 5, 2020 09:36 am

BUTUAN CITY – Surigao del Norte Gov. Atty. Francisco T. Matugas on Wednesday appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) to release Staff Sergeant Restie R. Dandan, who they abducted last July 31.

“We ask them (CPP-NPA) to release their abducted policeman to put an end to the agony of the family,” said the provincial chief executive Tuesday night.

Matugas asked the rebel group to release the police officer the “soonest possible time without harm”.

“We hope that the abductors did not harm the hapless police officer,” he said.

In an initial and progress report obtained by The Manila Bulletin from the Caraga Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) headquarters here, it was stated that the victim was forcibly taken by an undetermined number of suspected NPA rebels in Barangay San Isidro, Sison town, Surigao del Norte on July 31.


The regional command of PRO 13 Surigao del Norte Provincial Police Office (PPO) condemned the abduction, saying a joint operation with the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade has been launched to rescue the abducted police officer.

Meanwhile, the provincial government is now closely coordinating with the staff and personnel of the provincial and municipal peace and order councils for the proper coordination with the hostage-takers.

 
“Our crisis committee convened and discussed measures with the Sison MPOC and crisis committee there for the rescue of the abducted police officer,” Matugas said.

Dandan was an intelligence officer of Sison Municipal Police Station (MPS).


Sison Municipal Mayor Karissa Fetalvero-Paronia is now spearheading both MPOC and Municipal crisis committee.

The municipal chief executive already started meeting with 901st Infantry Brigade commander Col. George Banzon, 29th IB commander Lt. Col. Isagani Criste and provincial and municipal police director and chiefs of police for possible rescue efforts to save Dandan.

As of press time, the CPP-NPA NEMRC has not issued any statement regarding the status of the abducted police officer.

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