DAVAO CITY - Two helicopters carrying Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and five police officers abducted and later released by the communist New People's Army (NPA) landed at the police regional office in Camp Catitipan, Davao City on Monday afternoon.

The cops were freed in Paquibato District, Davao City after being held captive for 9 days by the rebel group.

A "heroes' welcome" from their fellow policemen greeted the freed captives Chief Insp. Leonardo Tarongoy, PO3 Rosenie Cabuenas, PO3 Rodolfo Pacete, PO3 Abdul Azis Ali, and PO2 Noel Arellano.

Regional director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan welcomed the safe return of the police officers, who were abducted while conducting a follow up investigation after an encounter between government troops and the NPA.

Duterte negotiated with the rebel group for the cops' release.

"Kanina sabi ko sa itaas, ano na naman bang kalokohan ito, pabalik-balik tayo ng istorya dito, sabi nga nila, ang ibang commander akala nag-reinforce, tapos sabi ko, kukunin ko yan sila. Nagbiro pa ako. Limang boto 'yang mawala sa akin," Duterte said.

Duterte said this is the 36th batch of hostages he has sought release from the rebel group since became mayor of Davao in 1988.

Grabbing the opportunity, Duterte campaigned for votes from the police officers.

Duterte promised that he will double the salary of police officers if he becomes President.

'EMILIO AGUINALDO'

During the final Pilipinas Debates 2016 held at the University of Pangasinan, Duterte was asked to identify his campaign financier.

Duterte only said that his financier is "Emilio Aguinaldo."

In an interview, Duterte said the ordinary Davaoeños are helping him through donations.

"It's fictitious. Eh sino ba naman ang magbigay sa'yo kung ibulgar mo yung pangalan niya. You can write it in Comelec, pero after na. Karamihan taga-Davao," Duterte said.

He said there were offers from big businessmen before but with conditions if he win as president. He said they did not pursue their offers.