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Wednesday, January 08, 2003
Ex-rebels to protect tourists in region
By Harley Palangchao
BAGUIO -- Providing security to tourists visiting the world-famous rice terraces in Ifugao will be the first assignment of former Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CPLA) members sworn in recently as full-pledged members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The deployment of the former rebels to Ifugao is in line with the standing agreement of the military with the Cordillera Police Regional Office (PRO).
Their main function will be to provide security to visitors, especially foreign nationals, said Army Gen. Rodolfo Alvarado, commanding general of the 5th Infantry Division based in Gamu, Isabela.
Last year, the police and military forged a memorandum of agreement outlining their respective roles in providing security assistance to visitors following the abduction of a visiting German couple along the boundary of Banaue, Ifugao and Mt. Province.
Alvadaro said the 70 to 80 rebels integrated into the Armed Forces to be deployed in Ifugao, particularly in the town of Banaue, are familiar with the terrains of the region so they can easily go after individuals or groups victimizing tourists.
Recently, some 249 of the original 264 rebels integrated into the Armed Forces were sworn in as full-pledged members after passing through an eight-month training course starting in May last year.
Of the number, 15 have been elevated to the rank of second lieutenants.
The new graduates will be segregated into three companies and will be deployed in different areas in the Cordillera.
Alvarado also said the primary responsibilities of the new soldiers are to provide security to tourists, to help restore the cultural heritage of the terraces, and to serve as partners in tourism development.
The integration of former rebels into the Armed Forces has been a long-time promise of the government embodied in the peace agreement CPLA entered into with the administration of President Corazon Aquino.
The promise was only fulfilled last year when President Arroyo signed Administrative Order 18, which provided for the rebels' integration into the military. Sun.Star Baguio |
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