BUTUAN CITY – The members of the family of Taloy Aguilo Astudillo, the Manobo tribe member seized by armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on December 3 last year in the Surigao del Sur town of San Miguel have fled their home for fear of their safety.
This was confirmed to the Philippine News Agency by Datu Rico Maca, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Miguel municipality on Tuesday.
Maca, who also heads the Committee on Peace and Order of the Sangguniang Bayan of San Miguel, also condemned the abduction of Astudillo in a privilege speech during the legislative body’s regular session.
“I sent men on Monday to check the situation of the family of Astudillo. They returned by the evening and told me they already abandoned their home for fear and hardships,” Maca said.
Since his abduction in his house in Sitio Inadan, Brgy. Magroyong, Maca said nothing has been heard about the condition and whereabouts of Astudillo.
“Just imagine the effects of the NPA abduction to the family of Astudillo. They are now dislocated while his children no longer attend classes,” he said.
Capt. Jonald Romorosa, Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion’s civil-military operations officer, told PNA on Sunday that they are conducting operations to locate the victim.
Maca said the municipal council has already passed a resolution on Tuesday asking the Philippine National Police to help find Astudillo.
He said municipal government has also been asked to extend financial assistance to Astudillo’s family.-PNA
