Army condemns NPA
atrocities in south
The Philippine Army condemns the atrocities committed by the New
People's Army rebels in Mindanao as reports of widespread killings and
summary execution reached the Army field units.
Fearing for the lives and the future of Lumads in the southern region, a
group of Lumads sought the protection of the Philippine Army in what
they call widespread killings of Lumad leaders in Davao region by the
New People's Army rebels.
Reports reaching the Philippine Army headquarters from field units
disclosed that leaders of the Unified Tribal Council of Elders (UTCE)
representing Dibabawon, Mandaya, Manobo and Manguangan tribes in Monkayo,
Compostela Valley province, sought the Philippine Army's help in light
of the series of killings perpetrated by terrorists targeting Lumads who
are not cooperating with the illegal activities of the local terrorist
groups such as illegal logging.
One of the leaders revealed that a member of the Mandaya tribe was
murdered by the NPA for not giving-in to the terrorists' demand to issue
cutting permits to the bandits. It was also learned that in 2004, a
certain Datu Pascual was also killed by the same group due to his
expose' on the protection racket of the NPA on illegal logging. While,
just a few days ago, local terrorists under Leoncio Pitao admitted the
killing of Datu Amora Dagsil, another lumad in Paquibato District, for
being anti-revolutionary.
In a separate incident, three bodies believed to be victims of summary
execution perpetrated by the NPA under Leoncio Pitao were discovered in
Sitio Quibaton, Brgy Dominga, Calinan, Davao City. The victims were
identified as the Tulang brothers, allegedly tried by the NPA's Kangaroo
court.
The Philippine Army denounces the NPA's prevalent killings and summary
executions and appeals to all stakeholders to take action and join them
in order to improve the plight of all people who have been victims of
the local terrorist groups. Likewise, it shall continue with its
internal security operations and nation-building and development
activities as well to free communities from NPA atrocities.
Meanwhile, a total of three peace and development projects worth P4.5M,
which includes three units of school buildings, a day care center, and a
Level II water system, were turned over by the Philippine Army to the
local officials of Compostela Valley province.. |
