Leftist rebels free 5 long-captive soldiers in Philippines

The leftist rebel group of New People's Army (NPA) has released five government troops after holding them for 45 days in southern Philippine island of Mindanao, local spokesperson of the rebel said Thursday. Rubi del Mundo, National Democratic Front Southern Mindanao Chapter spokesperson, said the five soldiers were freed at 4:00 p. m. local time on Wednesday at a village in Paquibato District, Davao City. The freed were Corporal Emmanuel Quezon, Private First Class ( Pfc) Vernie Padilla, Private Marteniano Pasigas, Pfc. Ronald Gura, and Pfc. Donato Estandian, who were seized by the rebels on June 17 in Davao City and all belong to the Philippine Army's 60th Infantry Battalion. Del Mundo said the release was in compliance with the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949 and its Protocols and in consideration of the appeals of their families and peace advocates. The NPA, an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front, has been waging war against the government for over 40 years.