Pubdate: Thu, 14 Apr 2005
Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991
Note:  also listed for feedback
Author: Joy G. Romares
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

5 BANDITS SURRENDER WITH GUNS, MARIJUANA

FIVE bandits surrendered to police in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur,
Wednesday morning with more than just their firearms. They also
brought with them uprooted marijuana plants they said they planted.

As if the story couldn't get any weirder, the same bandits, after
surrendering their firearms, asked that they be allowed to keep these
to protect themselves from attacks by communist rebels.

Pla-o Saloli alias Kumander Pla-o, 38, his brother, Esly Saloli, his
son, Daniel Saloli, one Juanito Guinang, 34, and Dodong Enoc, all
residents of Sitio Lapla, Narangay Bololsalo in Kiblawan submitted
themselves to Chief Inspector Villamindo Hectin, chief of the Kiblawan
police, and to Senior Inspector Benito Ricopuerto, of the Intelligence
Division (ID) of the Davao del Sur provincial police office at around
9 a.m.

The self-confessed bandits also surrendered their M16 armalite rifles
and Garand rifles aside from the uprooted marijuana plants valued at
P3,800.

After surrendering, Pla-o requested the police to help them build a
road to their barangay as well as a chapel and a school. He also asked
police for livelihood assistance.

Pla-o claimed one Ka Brigol of the NPA Front Committee 74 of the Far
South Mindanao has threatened the bandits for the death of Ernesto
Balbuena alias Kumander Aiza.

Kumander Aiza was killed by Pla-o's group during an encounter in March
9, this year.

The negotation between the bandits and the authorities is ongoing as
of press time. 
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