A military official on Wednesday denied that a paramilitary group was behind the killing of three indigenous people in Surigao del Sur.
Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, public affairs officer of the 4th Infantry Battalion, said in an interview that they are not aware of the Mahagat-Bagani Forces, which human rights group Karapatan said was the culprit in the crime.
The rights group alleged that the Philippine Army's 36th Infantry Battalion is in cahoots with the Mahagat-Bagani Forces to occupy the Han-ayan community, including the school.
"We don't allow such group. The only troops na meron kami ay 'yung CAFGU (Citizen Armed Geographical Unit), saka 'yung typical infantry units, 'yung mga infantry battalions. Other than that, bawal na, it's against the law that they are arming themselves," Martinez said.
He said the military is also conducting its own investigation on the killing.
The victims were identified as Emerito Samarca, executive director of the Lumad school Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development; Dionel Campos, chairperson of the Manobo group Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Susunod; and his cousin Bello Sinzo.
"Ang tingin namin dito is lawless [elements] doon sa area. Unidentified armed men wearing, ang sinabi ng mga tao, naka-bonnet daw, hooded, armed with high-powered firearms," Martinez said.
He said they are also waiting for the result of the investigation being conducted by their police counterparts.
The military spokesperson said the families of the victims should stand "witness, give an affidavit, and to file cases."
"May mga na-identify naman sila, so we urge them to file it in the proper forum. We will fully support that," he said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/535332/news/regions/army-denies-hand-in-lumads-killing-in-surigao
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