IPs seek government help as evacuation continues

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 28): IPs seek government help as evacuation continues

A tribal leader has asked the intervention of Mayor Sara Dutere-Carpio to allay fears of several members of the indigenous peoples who evacuated from their farms in Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District after they were allegedly harassed by members of the New People’s Army. Datu Roel Arthur Ali, deputy mayor for the Ata tribe in Paquibato said the number of evacuees rose from 17 to 21 families after more IPs feared for their lives following the encounter of soldiers and rebels in the area. He said many tribal leaders claimed they were being blamed by the rebels for the discovery of their presence by government troops in the mountainous areas of Barangay Malabog. “They were all threatened to be killed for squealing about their presence to the military. The rebels roam around, so the IPs fear for their lives,” Ali said. He said Sitios Alon and Malamon where all the evacuees came from are located in the forested highlands of Paquibato. Ali said most of the evacuees opted to leave their farms to secure themselves and their respective families while waiting for the assistance and clear intervention from the government.

Earlier, Datu Tresio Lumuyok, tribal chieftain of Matigsalog tribe claimed that residents abandoned their houses in Purok 26, Sitio Alon, Brgy. Malabog and sought refuge in Brgy. Marilog since November 6.  He led his people in search for a safe place after a rebel leader threatened and forced them to take part in rallies and demonstrations in protest to the presence of government troops in the area. Lumuyok said the residents were suspected as military informants scouting the whereabouts of the rebel group. He said the rebels are planning to make their village as venue for the 44th year anniversary of the CPP on December 27. Datu Buaya Ansaud welcomed the evacuees in his village in Sitio Malikongkong, Barangay Marilog while the Davao City Social Services and Development Office provided for their needs.

Lt. Colonel Edgar Nigos, commanding officer of the 84th Infantry Battalion said the evacuation only manifests the danger created by the presence of the rebels in the area. “The incident is a wake-up call for everybody to denounce the presence of rebels in the area,” Nigos said.  He maintained that it is the mandate of the soldiers to protect the people and not to harm them.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381354000187