DAVAO CITY – The New People’s Army (NPA) has released PO1 Alfredo Basabica Jr., whom it had held captive for 17 days, in Baganga, Davao Oriental to President Duterte’s office, despite the escalating word war between Duterte and the communist rebels.
Basabica, 26, was on his way to Davao City when he was captured by the NPA around 4 p.m. on July 11 in Compostela town, Compostela Valley province.
The release came in the midst of the government’s termination of the peace talks with the communist group. Duterte earlier cited various reasons for the termination, including the ambush of members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and of Police Officers in Negros Oriental.
Despite the cessation of peace talks, the Front Committee 25 of the NPA requested to release their “Prisoner of War (POW)” to President Duterte.
The Office of the Special Assistant to the President of Secretary Christopher Bong Go, facilitated the release of Basabica and even transported the police officer from the area of the release.
Two days after his release, Basabica was formally presented and turned over to President Duterte in Davao City.
Ka Rene of the NPA’s Front 25 said they were scheduled to release Basabica earlier but ongoing military operations prevented them from doing so.
Basabica, according to the release order of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), was released for his acts and conduct while under detention and during investigation. He was observed to have exhibited remorse for his offenses and had voluntarily desisted from committing further crimes against the people and the revolutionary forces, the NPA claimed. (PCO Davao)
