Lumad school head, 2 others killed in Surigao del Sur – police

(Updated 5:52 p.m.) Three indigenous people, including a school head, were gunned down by unidentified men early Tuesday morning, police said. 

 

Citing field reports, PO2 Maynard Ferrer, a member of the Surigao del Sur Provincial Police's tactical operations center, identified the victims as Emerito Samarca, Lumad school Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development executive director; Dionel Campos, chairperson of the Manobo group Malahutayong Pakigbigsog Alang sa Sumusunod; and his cousin Bello Sinzo.

 

Ferrer said authorities have yet to identify the suspects.

 

"Wala pang information na binibigay sa amin," he said. "Ongoing pa ang investigation."

 

But human rights group Karapatan, in a statement released later on Tuesday, alleged that members of paramilitary group Mahagat - Bagani Forces killed the three Lumad.

 

Karapatan claimed the three were killed as the paramilitary group and members of the Philippine Army's 36th Infantry Battallion allegedly occupied the Han-ayan community, inclduing the school.

 

It added that the military officers were telling the residents to evacuate within days or be massacred.

 

The human rights group said some 2,000 members of the Han-ayan community have evacuated.

 

Asked for information on the evacuation, Ferrer said they have no information on it.

 

Meanwhile, sought for a comment on the allegations, Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato said: "I can't comment on an allegation based on propaganda."