By RIGOBERTO F. SANCHEZ
Spokesperson, Merardo Arce Command
NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command
The Merardo Arce Command-Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command of the New People's Army has ordered the release of Prisoners of War Corporal Delfin Largo Sarocam (SN 797683) and Private First Class Jayson Burgos Valenzuela (SN 872545) of the 57th Infantry Battalion under the 6th Infantry Division-Eastern Mindanao Command-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Both NPA prisoners of war were arrested on 14 April in President Roxas town in North Cotabato, and have been facing investigations for possible violations to human rights and international humanitarian law in the course of their participation in the counterrevolutionary war of the Philippine government.
The release of POWs Sarocam and Valenzuela is ordered based on humanitarian grounds in consideration to the appeals made by their families for their release.
The custodial unit of the aforementioned POWs — the Herminio Alfonso Command-Guerilla Front 53 Operations Command of the NPA — is hereby directed to undertake safe and orderly release procedures. The date and place of the release shall be subject to their determination.
(SGD) RIGOBERTO F. SANCHEZ
Spokesperson
Merardo Arce Command
Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command
New People's Army