[Mindanao Examiner] Philippine security forces raided a New People's Army hideout and captured three militants in Butuan City. Police said the four were tracked down in Tungao village early Friday after weeks of surveillance. The raiders also seized weapons, including automatic rifles, grenades, munitions, improvised explosives, cellular phones, and assorted communist propaganda.Roldan Bunggolto, head of the NPA's Militia ng Bayan; his deputy Danilo Acania and Jek-Jek Borja, who are all wanted for murders in Agusan del Norte province.
President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has recently said he would open peace negotiations with the NPA. Duterte also said he would free all political prisoners, including members and leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.