Try abducted police major, Duterte tells NPA rebels

By Yas D. Ocampo and Elena L. Aben “You try him [in your court]… and sentence him to 20 years hard labor.” This was the message of incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte to the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who abducted Chief Inspector Arnold Ongachen last week after learning from the rebel commander that illegal drugs was seized from the chief of police of Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental. A sachet of methamphetamine (shabu)was allegedly found in Ongachen’s possession. It was a sudden change of mind for Duterte who had earlier called on the NPA to release the police major.Duterte had said he would likely be the one to pick up Ongachenas he has done in previous incidents. Despite Duterte’s move, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is its obligation to rescue Ongachen. PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said that while they understand the position of Duterte,especially when it [...]