MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, December 27 (PIA) —New People’s Army (NPA) rebels freed on Friday the two soldiers they abducted four months ago in Impasugong town.
Maj. Christian Uy, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division said Philippine Army privates Jerrel H. Yorong and Marnel T. Cinches were released facilitated by religious leaders and Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri Jr., in Mahayag sub-village, Barangay Saint Peter, Malaybalay City at 11:00 a.m, December 26, 2014.
In a statement, Alan Juanito of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), said the two soldiers were released after the rebel movement found them not guilty of any crime against the people and the movement.
It can be recalled that Yorong and Cinches, on board a motorcycle wearing civilian clothes, were kidnapped around 4:00 p.m., August 22, 2014, while on their way to barangay Bontongon in Impasugong town.
The two soldiers are members of Peace and Development Team who provide assistance in conducting community-based initiatives identified by the locals themselves in tandem with the local government unit.
Meanwhile, in an interview, the two government soldiers said the reunion has been long-awaited and an answered prayer.
(RLRB, PIA 10 Bukidnon)
