Guinto said the NPA fighters timed the “arrest” when guests had not yet arrived.
But Guinto denied the military claims that the NPAs pointed a gun at the four soldiers during the “arrest” in full view of Bawagan’s children. Guinto said the children only saw “the handcuffing part.”
“The NPA arresting team were ordered to make the arrest as peaceful as possible,” Guinto said. He added they even had to wait for Bawagan’s wife to arrive to inform her of her husband’s arrest.
The NPA captives spent thirty four days in the forest.
Against appeals from their wives for the military to stop the operations to ensure the safe release of their husbands, the 10th Infantry Division commanding officer Major General Carlos Holganza deployed more pursuit troops against the NPAs.
Bawagan said he could already hear the guns firing at them but he felt assured upon hearing the NPA commander ordered the guerillas to ensure that they were safe.
The soldiers said they were not maltreated while in captivity. “They respected our rights and we are thankful,” said Bawagan during the brief turnover rites.
Clad in white t-shirts and jogging pants, the four were released to Mabini Mayor Amir Muñoz, and Mawab mayor Samuel Hampayas, a physician who immediately examined the freed prisoners at the release site. The four were brought to the Bishop’s house in Tagum City where they were united with their families. (Cheryll D. Fiel/davaotoday.com)
