New Eastmincom chief to dig up truth about IPs

From the Sun Star (Nov 22): New Eastmincom chief to dig up truth about IPs

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to deliver the truth about the situation of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Eastern Mindanao.

AFP chief-of-staff General Hernando DCA Iriberri issued such statement when asked about their efforts to address the issue and concerns of the lumads.

"We will continue to bring out the truth about what is really happening and what is the true story about the lumads," Iriberri said.

He said there are always two sides of the stories, and he believed that the stories of the AFP regarding the situation of the lumads are the real ones.

"Based on the last report, [former Eastern Mindanao Command commander] Lieutenant General Aurelio B. Baladad has been doing everything to put things in proper perspective," Iriberri said.

The AFP, he added, has been incessantly coordinating with the datus/lumad leaders and the local government units to bring them back to their respective places.

Over 600 lumads have been seeking refuge at United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran in Davao City, following the alleged massive militarization in their respective areas, which the AFP earlier denied.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/11/22/new-eastmincom-chief-dig-truth-about-ips-442942