The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assailed yesterday militant groups for their alleged attempt to internationalize the killing of at least three members of an Indigenous Peoples (IP) group in Surigao del Sur.
Col. Restituto Padilla, military spokesman, said what should be focused on is the investigation of the killings which was already initiated by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“The attempt to internationalize the issue and demonize government and the AFP in regard to the matter is always an expected move on their part,” said Padilla, reacting to reports that the militant groups Karapatan and Bayan are trying to involve international groups to look into the issue.
“It is obviously part of their agenda to hurl all accusations and blame everything on the AFP to besmirch the AFP’s reputation,” said Padilla.
The issue stemmed from the killing of Lumad elders in Surigao del Sur reportedly by a paramilitary group created by the military for anti-insurgency campaign in the province.
The group reportedly stormed the Lumad community and mercilessly killed three leaders, even warning the residents about their connection to the communist rebels.
The attack prompted hundreds of Lumad families to flee their homes and seek refuge to an evacuation center in downtown Surigao del Sur.
But the military was quick to deny the allegation.
“The AFP was not involved in the incident and is working and cooperating fully with the Philippine National Police to ascertain the facts regarding this disturbance,” said Padilla.
“The AFP is also doing its own internal investigation to ascertain if AFP actions were appropriate relative to this unfortunate event,” added Padilla.
So far, criminal charges have already been filed against the suspects, three of them were identified.
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