Kalinga execs nix amicable settlement of heinous crimes

By Peter Balocnit

TABUK CITY, Kalinga --- Criminals in this province, especially those involved in heinous crimes should pay for their crimes in jail and not use the indigenous bodong (peacepact) system to go scot-free.

This was the consensus of Kalinga top officials and heads of government line agencies who met here recently to discourage amicable settlement where parties involved particularly bodong- practicing tribes resolve cases with the accused paying the aggrieved  party  indemnity without spending time in jail.

While officials’ group said they support amicable settlement of cases as been the practice of courts to give involved parties chance to talk before any arraignment, the group was  amenable  only to settle civil cases through out-of-court settlement but  criminal aspect of the case should be heard in court.

Gov. Jocel Baac, presiding officer of the body, pushed filing of criminal charges in court against suspects and let the law decide. “Let the aggrieved party get justice and the criminals to suffer for their wrong doings.”

The members  agreed to uphold the policy of no-compromise except when sanctioned by the involved parties as they  called on  sub-tribes covered by the bodong to disregard amicable settlement of heinous crimes instead bring it to the court and let the law takes its course.

Meanwhile, Provincial Prosecutor Bartolome Gamonnac informed the body  that charges were filed against suspects on killing and shooting incidents in the province.

Francisco Gamatero, provincial DILG director,  also asked the PNP to send augmentation force in areas of conflict to pre-empt any evil motives of disgruntled individuals which was readily considered by police .