Another group calls on Noy to act on Lumad killings

MANILA, Philippines - A church-based group on Thursday joined the call for President Benigno Aquino III to implement measures to protect the Lumad evacuees in Surigao del Sur.

 

The Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) also called for the government to disband the paramilitary groups in the province, including the Magahat-Bagani. 

 

In its September 8 letter, the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) urged the president to act on the killing of Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural Development Executive Director Emerito Samarca, Manobo Lumad leader Dionel Campos and Datu Juvello Sinzo last September 1 in Lianga town.

 

Members of the Magahat-Bagani paramilitary group were allegedly involved in the slayings. Lumad community members also alleged that the Magahat-Bagani is associated with the 36th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. RMP is a mission partner of AMRSP. 

 

"We welcome and join AMRSP’s appeal to the president, hence, we are urging all the religious to air the same," Sr. Francis Añover, RMP National Coordinator said in a statement.

 

The AMRSP's letter also denounced the mass evacuations of over 2,700 Lumads now dwelling at the sports complex in Tandag City. 

 

RMP also claimed that there have been continuing abuses against the Lumad evacuees that came from San Miguel town in Surigao del Sur.