MORE NEWS, IFUGAO

Banaue must move forward with Campbell case decided – mayor
By Dexter A. See

BANAUE, Ifugao -- With the verdict on the Campbell case handed down last week, the chief executive of this town said Banaue must now move forward for the good of the residents.

Mayor Lino Madchiw said the justice system took its course, and so it’s time to face reality. "We hope that the tourism industry of the municipality will continue to prosper as our visitors have seen that we are not covering up any misconduct of our constituents," the mayor said.

Madchiw said his administration is trying its best to maintain peace and order in this part of the province, which is frequently visited by tourists.

He sadded the municipal government’s request for a mobile police car has been granted, adding that this is a big help in the efforts to maintain peace and order in the town.

He also announced that a police outpost will be established in Barangay Batad, where the scenic amphitheater rice terraces are located and where US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell was killed.

"We want to secure our visitors especially in this part of the municipality where one of the tourist spots is located," he said.

With 21 policemen assigned in the town, two on leave, Madchiw said he is requesting the deployment here if additional police personnel to boost the security not only of his constituents and properties but also of tourists visiting Banaue.

Meanwhile, police provincial director Senior Supt. Joseph Adnol said the court decision on the Campbell killing proves that justice to the victim, Campbell, and her family has been served.

"I hope that this will serve as a lesson to everybody, so that incidents like this will not happen again," he said.