MANILA, Philippines — Six members of the Civilian Armed Auxiliaries (CAA) who were earlier abducted by the New People’s Army (NPA) were released in Agusan del Sur on Thursday night, a military official said. In a statement on Friday, Eastern Mindanao Command Commander Major General Felimon Santos Jr. said the six militiamen were turned over by a third party facilitator to the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division based at the 8th Special Forces Company headquarters in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. ADVERTISEMENT“The release was brought about by the pressure of the relentless military operations to rescue the said troops,” Santos said. According to Santos, the released militiamen will be given some time to spend with their families, before going through medical check-ups and a debriefing. He also assured residents of the area that the Army will not be deterred by the actions of the communist rebels.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 15, 2019 05:03 UTC