Ifugao crimes prompt holding of peace rally

By Dan B. Codamon

LAGAWE, Ifugao—The recent spate of criminality in the province the past few months, has prompted the provincial government to set a rally on June 12 to remind the people to cooperate and support efforts to suppress lawlessness and maintain peace and order.

           

Alarming incidents of violence and criminality included the recent highway robberies in Tinoc, Lamut and Lagawe which included heists on business establishments and the ambush of the Philippine Army convoy by communist rebels along the road of Tinoc  which resulted to the death of 11 soldiers and the wounding  of two civilians.

           

Gov. Eugene Balitang,who initially  briefed the provincial heads  of offices  on May 7,  said a committee will be created to plan activities for the rally.

           

The  committee chaired by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and composed of representatives from the Philippine National Police, Department of Interior and Local Government, local government units, Ifugao Provincial Health Office, Philippine Army based in the province, senior citizens group, women’s group, youth, Philippine Red Cross-Ifugao Chapter, religious sector, non-government organizations and other civil society groups, recently convened and finalized the activities for the rally.

           

Sheila Cortez of the Office of the Provincial Governor said the rally will be joined by partner agencies and sectors of society.

           

June 12 was chosen as the day for the activity because it is a historical and significant day being the celebration of the Philippines’ Independence Day, she said.

           

Lectures about the maintenance of peace and order in society are being lined up including life-saving skills and disaster management and risk reduction such as first aid, search and rescue and disaster preparedness during the rally.