Abducted Cop Recovered, 2 Others Still With Maoist Rebels In Philippine South

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 3, 2008) – Police said one of three officers seized by communist rebels have been recovered safely, but the fate of the remaining hostages remain unknown.

Police gave no details about the operation to rescue the two officers, but said Rogelio Estrata is now safely in its custody. The two hostages, Jerry Realino and Hector Colaste, are still being held by the New People's Army soldiers.

Officials said the policemen were seized at in the village of Ongoyon in Mount Diwata in Compostela Valley province on Tuesday.

The policemen were assigned to guard the village where several gold mining firms are operating. Insurgents had in the past launch attacks on mining companies in the province.

The NPA is the armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, which broke off peace talks with the Arroyo government in 2004 after accusing Manila of reneging on a deal that would have freed hundreds of political detainees in the country. (Romy Bwaga)