From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): Negotiations for village councilman's release still ongoing
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=540127
The municipal crisis committee in Loreto town, Agusan del Sur is doing all it can to ensure the safe release of an abducted village council man early morning Sunday.
Police in a statement, identified the armed group as New People's Army rebels and even denounced the abduction as "inhumane and unlawful demeanor of the said rebel group."
The military also said that their troops is standing by to ensure that no harm may befell on the victim, said 401st Brigade Commanding Officer Col. Gregory Cayetano in a local radio interview.
He however said that as for the demand of the rebels to suspend police operations or pull out from the place as a pre-condition for the release of the barangay councilman, the matter according to him cannot be resolved at their level. Only their higher headquarters can issue such orders, he said.
Loreto town Mayor Dario Otaza who heads the municipal crisis management committee said his emissaries composed of tribal chieftains were still in the place and he is still waiting for a feedback or report from them.
Mayor Otaza had just assumed office Monday, and the incident served as his baptism of fire. He assured however during the same interview, that he and the other committee members are doing everything they could at their own level to ensure the safe release of the victim.
Village councilman Edgar Bantuasan of Brgy. Teresa, Loreto, Agusan del Sur was abducted by armed group identified as NPA rebels at 5:30 Sunday morning, where he was among the 70 males of the community rounded up by the rebels and herded at the local elementary school of the place.
The rest were released however, with a threat by the armed group to liquidate anybody who will continue to support the government troops. Bantuasan was suspected by his abductors as a military informant. He was reportedly hogtied and was forcibly brought on board a motorcycle to a remote district in the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=540127