Bishop urges stop in militarization, supports call for release of North Cotabato POWs

DAVAO CITY – The call for the immediate release of 57th IB personnel CPL Delfin Sarocam and PFC Jayson Valenzuela from the hands of the New People's Army (NPA) is strongly supported by peace group, Exodus for Justice and Peace.

According to Bishop Modesto Villasanta, convener of Exodus for Justice and Peace, “We are very glad that there are more groups, more movement, advocating for genuine and lasting peace.”

The military personnel were taken by the NPA as its prisoners-of-war (POWs) last April 14 at Sitio Dalinding, Barangay Puas Inda, in President Roxas, Cotabato.

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines bishop is referring to the newly-organized For Release Now!, a religious and civil-society movement calling for the safe and immediate release of 57th IB personnels.

“It is our duty as Christians to be peacemakers and as active stakeholders in the peace advocacy. We hope to gain more support for the calls of the release of the POWs,” Villasanta said.

The bishop reiterated appeals made by well-meaning individuals and the families of the two POWs for the military to pull-out its troops in the villages of North Cotabato to give way for the POWs’ immediate and safe release.

“We are calling on the AFP to heed the cries of the families who wish to be reunited with their loved ones,” Bp. Villasanta said.

He added that “(I)t is the government’s duty to provide a conducive ground for negotiations and for the safe release of the POWs.” #


PRESS RELEASE, May 27, 2011. Bishop urges stop in militarization, supports call for release of North Cotabato POWs



For reference:


Exodus for Justice and Peace - 221-6920
Bishop Modesto Villasanta - 0928-692-0141