Arrested AFP soldiers, paramilitary undergoing investigations; treated well under NPA custody

Simon Santiago
Regional Political Department, Merardo Arce Command, NPA-Southern Mindanao
May 14, 2010

The Crucifino Uballas Command-Front 2 Operations Command of the New People's Army in Southern Mindanao implemented Wednesday, May 12, the arrest order handed down by the local revolutionary People's Court against three AFP soldiers and a paramilitary Cafgu under the 72nd Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division-Eastern Mindanao Command-AFP. The arrested AFP/Paramilitary men were Barangay Limbo, Maco detachment commander Cpl. Marcial B. Bawagan (SN # 794130) and his assistant detachment commander Cpl. Ariel P. Asumo (SN 803445); Barangay Anitapan, Mabini detachment commander Cpl. Eduardo Alcala (SN # 806489) and paramilitary Victor Pitogo (SN # 006279). They were arrested at around 10:30 AM in Barangay Conception, Mawab, Compostela Valley Province.

The arrest order was handed down by the local revolutionary People's Court against the AFP/Paramilitary men for the following complaints:

1. Active counter-revolutionary activities;

2. A number of human rights violations perpetrated against the masses in their areas of responsibility. In fact, their victims have already filed complaints against Cpls. Bawagan and Asumo in the GRP's Commission on Human Rights (CHR) but the case suffered inaction;

3. Violation of the People's Democratic Government regulations especially within the guerilla bases. Barangay Conception where Cpl. Bawagan lives is located in a guerilla base.

The four AFP/paramilitary men are undergoing investigations. The NPA-Southern Mindanao assures their families that they are being treated well under the revolutionary movement's strict adherence to the international humanitarian law and war protocols.