Wednesday, September 03, 2008 Police give Ifugao rebel returnees 'new lives'
INTEGRATION and livelihood provision await rebels in Ifugao who recently returned to the folds of the law.
Ifugao Provincial Police Office Director Joseph Adnol said the seven members of the New People's Army (NPA) who recently surrendered to police were recommended for either integration with the government force or be provided with livelihood to start a new life.
"We recommended them to the Provincial Government through the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for possible integration or livelihood provision, whichever they may be accommodated," Adnol said.
The police reported that the seven rebel returnees yielded to authorities in two separate occasions last month, the latest were five men, while the two were arrested in Barangay Camandag in Asipulo town.
Those who surrendered were Eladio Madiano alias Ka Puno; Felipe Ananayo alias Ka Lapit; Walter Pulido alias Ka Edwin; Rudy Dupingay alias Ka Nardo and Tangway Pi-lo alias Ka Caloy.
Those arrested were identified as Ernesto Bangad and Alex Bunnag.
The returnees were said to be members of the Leonardo Pacsi Command, which operates in Mt. Province and the southwestern part of Ifugao.
Earlier, the regional police office dismissed claims on the recruitment done by the NPAs.
Intensified efforts are being done by government forces to crack down on the NPA, which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed to eradicate as her term ends in 2010. (JC)
