SUGBONGCOGON, Misamis Oriental—The National Democratic Front on Friday released a government soldier taken captive for 133 days by the rebels to a group of civilian negotiators ending months of negotiations in Misamis Oriental.
A frail-looking Army Private First Class Adonis Jess Lupiba walked the last few steps to freedom flanked by top cadres of the New People’s Army during a three-hour ceremony in Barangay Kaulayanan, some 16 kilometers from Sugbongcogon.
The 26-year-old Lupiba was turned over to Misamis Gov. Yevgeny Emano and Iglesia Filipina Independente Bishop Felixberto Calang who traveled to the hinterland village to fetch the soldier.
“It is a wonderful day for peace. I am glad this ended well despite the tense negotiations for the release of Lupiba,” Calang said.
Lupiba’s wife, Henelou, and his family broke down in tears when Calang and Emano handed the soldier to them after he signed his “release papers.”
Allan Juanito, NPA spokesperson for North Central Mindanao, said Lupiba was found not to have committed any crimes against the revolutionary movement and the people.
The rebels captured Lupiba after a brief firefight in Barangay Alagatan in Gingoog City, also in Misamis Oriental last July 11, 2015.
Lupiba said he surrendered to the rebels to prevent innocent bystanders from being caught in a crossfire had he chosen to put up a fight.
“I could have chosen to fight because I was hidden in a fortified position but when I heard the cries from civilians, I have to lay down my firearm. I told the rebels I will surrender if they stop firing,” Lupiba narrated.
The rest of Lupiba’s patrol was able to run away but one of their companions, Corporal Nadir Bairulla, was killed while two civilians were wounded.
Lupiba said the rebels brought him to a rough terrain in Mindanao and for food they subsisted on root crops, canned goods and occasional wild pigs that abounded in the forests.
“Luckily I did not got sick during my 133 days of captivity except for some colds,” he said.
Lupiba said the rebels treated him well although his hands were chained while a guard watched him 24 hours.
After his release, Lupiba was brought to the Misamis Oriental provincial capitol where he was turned over to his Army superiors Friday night.
Lt. Col. Jose Eriel Niembra, commander of the Army 58th Infantry Battalion, said Lupiba will immediately undergo a series of medical tests and debriefing session.
“We consider him a hero for laying down his firearm to save the residents of Barangay Alagatan. No one is braver than a soldier who is willing to sacrifice everything including his own life to protect the people, “ Niembra said.
He said the entire Army 4th Division headquarters will turn out to give a heroes welcome to Lupiba in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro Saturday.