Communist rebels have freed seven pro-government fighters they captured during various operations in the southern Philippines.New People's Army leader Jorge Madlos said the NPA released Danny Sevillejo, Evangeline Cabodbod, and Leonardo Sevillejo - who were captured on April 14 in the village of Santa Juana in Surigao del Sur. Also Mario Lepanda, Toloy Lepanda, Rejoy Francisco and Janjan -- who were captured by the insurgents on April 15 at a checkpoint in the village of Don Alejandro in Agusan del Sur.
The release of the fighters -- who all underwent separate interrogations by the NPA - was attended by government officials and religious representatives and the media.
Madlos said the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, ordered their release on humanitarian grounds. The release was based on the following grounds -- they have not committed any serious offense against the people and the revolution; and swore never again to commit their offenses, and to take steps to rectify their mistakes; and for having exhibited good behaviour during detention.
Madlos said, "The detention, investigation and release of these prisoners of war show the politico-military capability of the revolutionary forces in the different regions in Mindanao. These prove not only the capacity of the NPA, the Party and the NDFP to undertake such action, but more so the widespread and solid support of the masses toward the revolutionary movement in the island."
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