Kidnap: "Only prayer can save my husband" -- Mrs. Obillo
Balita News
MANILA, Feb. 18 (PNA) -- When Mrs. Estelita Obillo was informed by
telephone this morning that her husband, Brig. Gen. Victor Obillo,
commanding general of the 55th Army Engineering Brigade, was kidnapped
by communist rebels in Davao City Wednesday, she was shocked but
remained calm as she prayed in silence.
Displaying unusual stability despite the immense burden going on in
her mind what would happen to her husband, Mrs. Obillo, nonetheless,
proceeded to report to work at Tandang Sora Elementary School in Banlat,
Quezon City where she is the school principal.
But it was obvious she was deeply sad when she announced to her
fellow teachers during their daily morning prayer that her husband was
abducted by the New People's Army (NPA), Ms. Mary Ann Sarmiento said.
"I need your prayer for the safe release of my beloved husband,"
Mrs. Obillo intoned holding back tears from her eyes.
Forming in circle, they prayed together, Sarmiento said.
"Prayer is the only way that Vic will be saved from harm because God
will protect him," Mrs. Obillo said.
She said she knew of no enemy of her husband who is only engrossed
in his humanitarian work.
Gen. Obillo and his logistics officer, Capt. Eduardo Montealto were
abducted by 40 heavily armed NPA guerillas while inspecting a
reforestation project on the slopes of Mount Apo in Barangay Carmen,
Baguio District, Davao City at about 2 p.m. Wednesday.
The NPA band was led by Leonardo Pitao, alias Parago.
The reforestation called "Mangahan Project" is jointly undertaken by
the 55th Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army and members of the
Lumad communities.
They were on board a van, together with two others, when the rebels
blocked their way.
The NPAs surrounded the vehicle and took Obillo and Montealto
hostage.
Obillo's driver and a civilian were allowed to go to report to
authorities about the kidnapping.
Ms. Sarmiento said that Mrs. Obillo stayed at her office until 2:30
p.m. today.
She presumed Mrs. Obillo went home.
Her fellow teachers praised Mrs. Obillo for displaying her courage
despite her predicament.
She only knew about the kidnapping this morning shortly before going
to work.
Gen. Obillo is an unassuming officer whose only mission is to serve
God, country and fellowmen.
Since he was assigned in Mindanao more than six years ago, Obillo
was involved in infrastructure development. He was the project officer
in the construction of the Parang-Malabang-Karawi road connecting the
provinces of North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur.
The Obillos have four children, one girl and three boys.
It is unfortunate that the NPAs kidnapped Gen. Obillo who is a
non-combatant whose obssession is peace and progress for the whole
country.
The 54-year old Obillo is a graduate of the Philippine Military
Academy (PMA) class 1966.
Among his classsmates are AFP chief of staff Gen. Joselin B.
Nazareno, AFP vice chief of staff, Admiral Eduardo Ma. R. Santos,
Southcom commander Lt. Gen. Angelo B. Reyes, AFP deputy chief of staff
Vice Admiral Luisito Fernandez, Army chief Lt. Gen. Raul Urgello, Police
Deputy Director General Roberto T. Lastimoso, AFP deputy chief of staff
for personnel Commodore Napoleon Baylon and AFP deputy chief of staff
for education and training Maj. Gen. Alfonso Cagurangan.
Mrs. Obillo can be sure that all graduates of PMA class 1966 are
praying for the safe and early release of her husband. (PNA) DCT/RBC
PNA 02181631