‘IP leaders, not Reds killed in Capiz raids’

MANILA, Philippines — Leaders of the indigenous tribe Tumandok and not New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in simultaneous police operations in seven barangays in Tapaz town on Wednesday, according to a coalition of indigenous peoples organizations.

“Sandugo-Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination strongly condemns this gruesome massacre of our indigenous Tumandok compatriots. Activists like them constantly brave the shadow of death in order to defend our land, environment, and basic rights,” the group said.

The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Western Visayas office said nine NPA rebels were killed in shootouts with police officers serving search warrants for illegal possession of firearms and explosives in seven barangays in Tapaz town.

However, Sandugo and human rights group Karapatan, citing witnesses, said the law enforcers forcibly entered the houses of the victims and shot them.

Seven of the fatalities were identified as barangay captain Dalson Catamin, Eliseo Gayas Jr., Mauro Diaz, Arcelito Katipunan, barangay kagawad Mario Aguirre, Roy Giganto and Jomer Vidal.

Sandugo said three other members of the tribal community were reported missing.

Sandugo and the Karapatan yesterday called on the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the incidents.

”These killings and arrests were meant to instill fear on indigenous communities to silence their opposition to so-called development projects that encroach on their ancestral domains,” Karapatan secretary-general Christina Palabay said.

Sue us – Western Visayas PNP

Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda, Western Visayas police director, maintained that the operations were legitimate even as he dared critics to file charges against them.

”Tingnan natin sa korte. Yung korte ang mag-de-determine,” Miranda said.

He said the rebels were killed in shootouts, noting that a CIDG personnel was wounded.

Lt. Gen. Gervacio Balmaceda, CIDG-Western Visayas chief, had earlier said they only responded to reports from villagers on the presence of armed men in their communities.

Balmaceda said the areas were rebel-infested. – Emmanuel Tupas