Group makes move for safe release of soldier

BUTUAN CITY – The city and provincial crisis management committees (CMCs) and religious group on Monday are joining hands to negotiate for the safe release of an Army soldier who was abducted by the New People’s Army (NPA) last Friday in Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon province.

The Iglesia Filipina Independiente, the main convenor of Sowing the Seeds of Peace in Mindanao, along with the CMCs in Valencia City and Bukidnon are now closely coordinating for possible contact with the custodial force of the NPA who allegedly held hostage Technical Sergeant Joseph Paredes of the Army’s 8th Infantry battalion (8th IB).

The third party facilitator led by Iglesia Filipina Independiente Bishop Felixberto Calang is already contacting the kin of the abducted soldier for possible assistance.

Paredes was abducted after he was chanced upon by a rebel-manned checkpoint near Juanilla Subdivision in Valencia City where the rebels raided the Dasia Security Agency and carted away firearms and other valuables.
(Mike U. Crismundo)