NPA denounces ‘capture’ of two pregnant high-ranking officials

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Rachelle Mae Palang Command-New People’s Army (RMPC-NPA) condemned the Army for the “rescue” of two pregnant women who were high-ranking officials of the rebel movement.

In a statement dated December 20, RMPC-NPA spokesperson Estrella Banagbanag said they denounce the “unlawful capture and detention of hors de combat” “Ka Aubrey,” and “Ka Sarah,” and demanded their release.

The rebel group slammed the Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) for declaring the two as surrenderers.

Banagbanag said that the two women were on medical leave due to their pregnancy when the soldiers and the police “arrested” them at Sitio Katubahan, Barangay Tayak, Siaton, Negros Oriental early this week.

According to the Army, these two pregnant women were allegedly part of the dismantled Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (SEF, KR-NCBS), who were rescued by government forces.

“Sarah” was an alleged member of Squad 3 and Taxation Team, while “Aubre” was an alleged Educational and Finance staff and Assistant Political Officer, the Army said.

“We enjoin human rights organizations and advocates to investigate further regarding the “capture” of Ka Sarah and Ka Aubrey, and demand that they be rightfully released at once,” the rebel group said.

Also, the rebel group slammed the Army for the “fake surrender” of two other rebels in Barangay Milagrosa, Sta. Catalina town.

The Army earlier said that they surrendered to the Community Support Program (CSP) of the Army.