Statement of MGen. Felimon T. Santos Jr. on the Release of Abducted CAAs

On February 14, 2019, at about six o' clock PM, six abducted Civilian Army Auxiliaries (CAA) were released by their NPA abductors through the third party facilitator and subsequently turned-over to 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, PA at the Headquarters 8th Special Forces Company, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), PA in Purok 12-A, Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

They were:

1. CAA1 Jurian B Gaviola;
2. CAA1 Marson C Iligan;
3. CAA1 Bienvinido A Lamion;
4. CAA1 Eddie J Tindoy;
5. CAA1 Sanny G Malobay; and
6. CAA1 Hermito M Iligan

The release was brought about by the pressure of the relentless military operations to rescue the said troops.

As of this time, our units in the area are continuously conducting military operations to rescue the remaining troops who are still being held and used as human shields and propaganda subject by the NPAs.

We are assuring our communities that this, propaganda means of "kidnap for presscon" to stop security operations and will allow them to continue conducting their recruitment, carry out atrocities against communities and to project a force to reckon with, will not affect our effort and commitment to protecting our communities and their right to live peacefully.

Meantime, the released CAAs will be given time to talk with their immediate families, after which, they will undergo normal processing such as medical check-up and debriefing.


Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP