[Inquirer] Maoist New People's Army guerrillas in Mindanao separately freed on Friday three of their seven captives, and pledged to release four more remaining captives.Policeman Richard Yu walked to his freedom in a remote village after 52 days as a prisoner. He was seized in July for his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade, but was later cleared by the militants.
"I was never worried when they took me because I knew I was not involved in illegal drugs," said a teary-eyed Yu, whose release comes as negotiators wrapped up peace talks in Oslo.
Yu said while the rebels did not harm him, he was in handcuffs most of the time, even when sleeping.
Also freed on Friday were Arnold Ongachen, the chief of police of Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental; and policeman Michael Grande.
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines said the other captives were also set to be freed on Saturday.