Ifugao folks return home after NPA, army firefights

By Marcelo B. Lihgawon

ASIPULO, Ifugao -- Residents affected by firefights between government troops and communist rebels here at Barangay Namal are back in their homes  after spending nights in government evacuation centers.

A total of 98 families consisting of 398 individuals returned to their  homes last week and received assorted goods from government and non-government organizations and kind-hearted individuals.

The families were evacuated after soldiers overran a suspected New People's Army camp in Sitio Pinugao, Namal here two weeks ago and  found ammunitions, three laptops, medical and food supplies and other personal belongings.

Acting provincial Disaster officer Cecil Unghiyon said the Social Welfare and Development office provided 500 food packs, 127 plastic mats, 127 blankets and 60 kits to families.

The provincial Disaster office also provided 27 blankets and four boxes of can goods, 10 sacks of rice and used clothes from Lamut town , blankets and clothes from  Kiangan town folks while Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat donated P15, 000, she said.

The Municipal Health Office of Asipulo also held medical consultations   after stress debriefing.

Meanwhile, Joseline Niwane, provincial Social Welfare and Development officer said affected families were not evacuated in Kiangan town as reported by some media outfits.

“They were evacuated in government facilities of the same barangay,” Niwane said.