Higaonon chieftain killed in ambush in Cagayan de Oro

Police in Cagayan de Oro City are gathering leads on the death of a tribal chieftain killed in an ambush at Sitio Cabalang in Barangay Tuburan last Saturday.

 

Killed in the ambush was Datu Sandigan a.k.a. Fausto Orasan, GMA Northern Mindanao's Jeik Compo reported Monday.

 

Datu Sandigan was a tribal chieftain of the Higaonon tribe in the city, and was known for his advocacy to protect the environment. He was also known for his stance against illegal mining.

 

Initial investigation showed the victim was riding a motorcycle on his way home from a meeting in a neighboring barangay when unidentified gunmen opened fire on him.

 

A motorcycle rider found the victim's bloodied and lifeless body along the road.

 

Police findings showed the datu sustained several gunshot wounds, possibly from a shotgun and an M-1 Garand rifle.

 

"Nakita natin na matagal na nilang inaabangan si Datu dahil sa area kung saan sila nagtago ang mga suspek, makikita na tumigas na ang lupa so meaning matagal na talaga siyang minamanmanan," said Lumbia police head Senior Inspector Allan Curato.

 

The datu's widow Bae Matatao Orasan said the victim had received threats to his life, especially due to his advocacy against illegal mining.

 

In June 2013, he was shot in his house in Barangay Pigsag-an. He survived and the attacker was arrested.

 

"Tingin po namin dahil sa illegal mining....sa illegal mining at illegal logging pero hindi naman namin sila ina-ano...pero siya yung pinag-iinitan dahil siya ang malapit sa gobyerno," said his widow, who called for justice. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News