NPA leader's son caught in crossfire in Ifugao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): NPA leader's son caught in crossfire in Ifugao
 
A suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebel captured by villagers in Aguinaldo, Ifugao last June 4 turned out to be the son of the rebel leader operating in the area.

This was disclosed by the Isabela-based Infantry Division in a statement Friday.

Jonathan Cudal, whose father is believed to be Romeo Cudal, a suspected NPA leader operating in the area, was caught by villagers fleeing from the encounter site.

When turned over to the Army and PNP troops, he said that he was with his father together with the rebels when the firefight happened.

Jonathan also said he visited his father to get his Php 6,000 monthly allowance.

The troopers ensured that the Cudal was not hurt and was checked by a medical doctor.

Cudal was then turned over to local government officials of Alcala, Cagayan and is now safely home.

According to Brig. Gen. Roger Salvador, Commander of 501st Infantry Brigade who is in charge of Army troops in Ifugao and nearby provinces, “Jonathan Cudal, in our opinion, has not committed any crime. Being a son of an NPA leader is not a crime in itself. On the contrary, he can be considered an unfortunate victim of this senseless rebellion.”

Salvador also added that what happened “is an example that this ongoing war should be ended quickly... Even our children are also becoming victims and worst, may even be killed in crossfire. That’s why I am again calling for the NPAs to go back to the fold of the law, to avail of the government’s amnesty program and have a peaceful life not only for their sake but also for their own children.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=655321