AFP Accused of Violating Deal by Lumad Evacuees From Lagonglong

15 Jun AFP Accused of Violating Deal by Lumad Evacuees From Lagonglong

Image Source | www.sunstar.com.ph

Leaving their community in Sitio Camansi, Lagonglong in Misamis Oriental are about 200 lumad individuals, and they are accusing the military with violation of the agreement last year. And in a press conference held at the Cagayan de Oro Press Club last June 13, secretary-general of Tagtabolon Nenita Helogon who have been displaced for the fourth time already, spoke to the reporters.

“Dili ako makasabot nga ang amo man untang nasabotan nga kung aduna man gani sila’y operasyon nga pagahimuon, mo-agi lang ug dili na sila musulod sa among lugar. Pero ang nahitabo karon, sukwahi man sa nasabotan,” Helogon said.

As contained in the agreement, no troops can enter and live in the communities of the lumads, and that troops must be stationed about 500-1000 meters aways from the houses of the lumads.

“Samtang nagbaklay na kami palayo sa lugar, nisamot ang among kalisang sa pagkadungog namo sa daghang boto kung diin asa nagpundo ang mga sundalo,” said Helogon.
“Imbis namakwit na kami palayo nila, gisundan naman hinuon nila kami sa gym ug hinuon nagmontar pa kini ug tolda, sound system, nag-programa, nagpasalida, ug nag-checkpoint ug nagbutang ug donation box para kuno kanamong mga lumad. Natingala kami kung ang mga rebelde man gani ilang gi-apas, nganong sa amo man nuon sila mo-duol?” raised Helogon.

However, Joe Patrick Martinez, Army’s 4th Infantry Division spokesperson said quoting, “there was no such agreement on lsat year’s resolution of the situation.”

Martinez explained that what was discussed was the legitimacy of the operation and the sanctions to be dispensed on the alleged violations of protocols in entering a community for both AFP and NPA, and that there are still situation in the area that needs addressing.

“The AFP’s role is very clear as stipulated in Republic Act 8551, whereas the AFP shall be the lead role in suppression of counterinsurgency and once suppressed, the PNP shall enforce the law and put the NPA to justice,” Martinez added.

Meanwhile, Roger Plana who is the secretary general of Kalumbay-Lumad organization addressed the troops of 58th Infantry Battalion to pullout the “militarization” in Sitio Camansi, including all of the lumad communities in the country. Also, Plana called Rodrigo Duterte to make an action regarding the situation and quickly resume the peace talks.