The NPA claimed in a statement that Rodenas was “unjustly sentenced” based on charges “fabricated by the Philippine Army.”
Reports aired by station dxDB in Malaybalay quoted military sources as saying that Rodenas is a ranking NPA member and a bomb expert.
Osias said the rebels should immediately release the captives without condition as they are not combatants.
He said the NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has gone too far in abducting the four BJMP personnel.
“They cannot and should not be considered combatants.
They were armed for security purposes only because they were transporting convicted criminals. They were not armed for
combat mode,” he said.
“They have committed a crime by springing Rodenas free because he is a convicted criminal,” said Osias.
