DAVAO CITY – Six militiamen held captive by communist rebels since December last year were freed on Thursday in Barangay San Juan in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. ADVERTISEMENTThe NDF added that the release of the hostages proves that it is still open to resuming peace talks with the government. The hostages – Eddie J. Tindoy, Benbinido A. Lamyon, Hermilito M. Iligan, Julian B. Gabiola Jr., Sony M. Malubay and Marson C. Iligan were released on Thursday afternoon. They were captured after the rebels overran a military detachment on December 19, 2018 in Barangay New Tubigon in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command said the six militiamen were turned over Thursday evening to the 401st Infantry Brigade in Purok 12-A, Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 15, 2019 10:15 UTC