The families of two Army soldiers, who were captured in Bukidnon last August 22, urged the New People's Army (NPA) and the Philippine military to cease fighting in order to speed up the safe release of their loved ones.
The soldiers, privates Jerrel Yorong and Marnel Cinches, were apprehended by rebel forces under the NPA North-Central Mindanao Command. Last week, the rebels issued a statement promising to release the soldiers as a sign of goodwill. They demanded an immediate suspension of military operations (SOMO) in several areas in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental to guarantee the safe release of the captives.
Military officials in the region, however, rejected the rebel group's demand and instead launched a manhunt, rescue, and hot pursuit operation.
This development prompted the families of the captured soldiers to call for an "agreement of both parties" so that their loved ones can be released as soon as possible.
As of press time, negotiations are still ongoing between the Provincial Crisis Management Committee and the rebel groups. ## Report by Jay Pascual, Sept. 12, 2014.
