DOJ forms special team to probe harassment of Lumads

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice on Thursday formed a special team that would look into the alleged harassment of Lumads or indigenous peoples.

The investigating team would also probe the killing of members of a Lumad tribe.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima signed a three-page department order which forms a group that would investigate the alleged incidents of harassments against the Lumads in Davao del Norte, Bukidnon and Surigao del Sur.

The special investigating team would also look into the tension that occurred in the United Church of Christ in the Philippines in Davao City.

The investigation seeks to file criminal complaints against individuals who will be identified responsible for the harassment committed against Lumad communities.

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The DOJ special team is composed of five prosecutors from the National Prosecution Service and 11 officials and personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation.

De Lima gave the team 60 days to submit a final report and recommendation.