Satur Ocampo: Lumad school shut down after military suspected NPA infiltration

A Lumad school in Davao del Norte was shut down reportedly by a paramilitary group after the military suspected it of being infiltrated by the New People's Army, according to former Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo.

In an interview on "Dobol B sa News TV, Ocampo said the military had accused communists rebels of recruiting new members from the Lumad school.

"Ito yung claim ng military na in-inflitrate ng NPA ginagamit daw ang mga ekswelahan para i-indoctrinate ang mga lumad to join the NPA," said Ocampo, who was "detained" at a police station in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte after joining a humanitarian mission to assist the affected Lumad school.

"Marami na, mahigit sa 20 ang nasara sa region, pati itong nasa Talaingod, dalawa itong [ipapasara]," said Ocampo.

Ocampo claimed that after the school was forcibly closed on Wednesday night, some students who were not from the area were left in the streets, prompting his group to  conduct the rescue mission.

Soldiers and police operatives blocked the mission's convoy heading for the school's office in Tagum City.

"Yung Municipal Social Welfare and Development, kinukuwestiyon nila 'yung pagsundo nang walang clearance sa kanila, walang authorization galing sa mga magulang," Ocampo said.

Ocampo belied allegations that the group did not seek authorization, saying they made efforts to seek permission from the Office of the Governor and the district school superintendent, but ended up failing to secure one.

"Sinikap namin, before that 'yung mga proponents niyang [pagde-defend] sa school, sumulat sa governor, sumulat sa mayor, DSWD, DepEd na hinihiling nila na tumulong, i-investigate 'yung ginagawa sa mga schools. Kahapon umabot kami ng 5 p.m. sa Office of the Governor dito sa Lanao del Norte. At kahit tumulong naman 'yung staff niya para ma-contact namin... nakausap namin 'yung district superintendent ng school. Hiningi niya muna 'yung side ng military, walang sagot so hindi siya makaaksiyon."

While at the police headquarters, Ocampo said, 14 of the rescued students had their parent's consent.

"Nonetheless, kinasuhan kami ngayon sa ginawa na transporting nang walang prior clearance or consent. Nireremedyohan ngayon namin ng post rescue documentation."

"Ako naman ay sanay na sa mga ganiyang political harassment, at saka, hindi ko naman bibitiwan ang pagtatanggol sa karapatan ng ating mga kababayan. So I guess I'll have to risk," Ocampo said.  —Jamil Santos/LBG/MDM, GMA News