1,515 lumads leave AgSur villages due to NPA threats

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28): 1,515 lumads leave AgSur villages due to NPA threats 

Around 222 households or 1,515 individuals to include children left their homes from the different far flung sitios of San Luis, Agusan del Sur and consolidated at Balit Urios Elementary School, Brgy. Balit the same town on January 23, 2015 after being threatened by NPAs' tactical offensives.

The lumads were forced to leave their homes because of the fear that they would be caught in cross fire when the NPAs conduct tactical offensives against the soldiers who are conducting community service to them.

The soldiers of 26th Infantry Battalion together with other stakeholders have been in the area for almost a year conducting various community services through the Community Organizing for Peace and Development program.

Col. Alexander Macario, commander of 401st Infantry (UNITY) Brigade has given orders to the 26th Infantry Battalion to help the local government unit of San Luis for the immediate support to be given to the evacuees.

“We are happy that together with the LGU and all concerned agencies, they are keeping our fellow countrymen safe and providing the necessary support while they are in the evacuation area. We will ensure our people that together with the stakeholders, we will continue our services and help in the speedy resolution of this unfortunate situation,” said Lt. Colonel Rolly Dumawa, commanding officer of the 26th Infantry Battalion.

MGen Oscar Lactao, commander of 4th Infantry Division, enjoined the people of Caraga to appeal to the NPAs to stop the violence and give peace a chance. "We urge them to stop the armed struggle and embrace a peaceful and progressive life with our people,” MGen Lactao added.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1701422429458/1-515-lumads-leave-agsur-villages-due-to-npa-threats-