Ifugao town adopts 'no guide, no travel' policy

Following the robbery-slay of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell, authorities in Lagawe town in Ifugao province have imposed a "no guide, no travel" policy in the town. This developed as neighbors of the "suspect" were reported as speculating that financial woes caused by a recent "big loss" in gambling prompted him to rob and kill Campbell. Radio dzRH reported Sunday morning that the municipal government has instructed local police to bar foreigners or tourists from visiting even tourist spots without guides. It said the rule applies especially to female foreigners and tourists who wish to visit the tourist attractions in town, in the wake of Campbell’s murder. But it was not immediately clear how the municipal government will screen or authorize tour guides, to make sure they do not victimize tourists and visitors. Residents in the town noted that the suspect in the killing of Campbell had been moonlighting as a tour guide. Campbell’s body was found last Wednesday in Banaue town in Ifugao, 10 days after she was reported missing. Police later brought her body to Metro Manila. They completed at least two of several tests Saturday to determine how she was killed and who likely killed her. The US Embassy sent emissaries to observe the proceedings. Meanwhile, a dzRH correspondent in Northern Luzon reported that local residents in Batad village in Lagawe town in Ifugao said the "suspect" had a hard time making ends meet. The suspect, whose identity police withheld pending his arrest, has three daughters and works as a furniture maker and wood carver – and even tries to earn extra income as a tour guide. His wife, Grace Duntugan, had said on GMA-7 television last weekend that her husband was not in the area when the supposed crime occurred. - GMANews.TV