[Mindanao Examiner] Maoist militants have released a video clip of a Philippine police officer they captured during a raid last month in Davao Oriental province as proof he was still alive and said the captive is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.The New People's Army militants have declared Chief Inspector Arnold Olgachen, police commander in Generoso town, to be a prisoner of war. He is currently being investigated by a kangaroo court after a packet of methamphetamine or shabu was allegedly seized from him by the insurgents.
Rebel spokesman Rigoberto Sanchz said, "POW Olgachen is currently being investigated for his involvement in the unbridled illegal drug trade in Governor Generoso town and in Davao Oriental."
In the video clip, Olgachen introduced himself as Generoso's police chief and went on to say that he is being fed and treated fairly by his captors.
He said, "I am PCI Arnold Olgachen, Chief of Police of Governor Generoso Municipal Police Station, which was attacked last May 29, 2016. I am currently a prisoner of war of the NPA. I am doing okay, they did not harm me. They treat me humanely, they provide food for me. I am hoping they will release, that is my request to them."
President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has given up efforts to secure Olgachen's safe release after learning from the NPA that militants confiscated drugs from the police officer.
Duterte, who has publicly declared war on illegal drugs, said Ongachen's fate is now up to the insurgents. He said, "You have a kangaroo court. Sentence him to 20 years of hard labor. I said I'd be harsh (on illegal drugs). I'm sorry for that guy."