In this photo was taken in June last year, indigenous peoples from Davao region staged an indignation rally calling for justice for the victims of the Paquibato massacre. Three civilians were dead after the Army fired upon the residence of Paquibato District Peasant Association leader, Aida Seisa. One of the victims was Datu Ruben Enlog, chairman of the Nagkahiusang Lumad nga Mag-uuma sa Paquibato (Nagkalupa). (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY —Human rights advocates of Karapatan Southern Mindanao (SMR) group protested in front of the office of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) XI to express their dismay with the continuing human rights violations in Davao region.
Jay Apiag, Karapatan-SMR information officer, said that from the month of March to June, they recorded seven cases of extra judicial killings and 17 cases of illegal arrest.
Apiag said among the victims of extrajudicial killings are Marjun Baruer from San Isidro, Davao Oriental killed last May 19; Paul Saludaga from Kapatagan Laak, Compostela Valley killied last May 21; Johnny Baslisco from Loreto, Agusan del Sur killed last June 6; Ma. Piomonte Cayag from Monkayo, Compostela Valley who was shot last May 8. Apiag also said three NPA members who were arrested after an encounter in Paquibato district were found dead on June 9.
Paquibato massacre
Apiag added that their protest also serves as a reminder that the families of victims of Paquibato massacre “continue to seek justice.”
The massacre of farmers happened on last June 14, 2015 in Brgy. Paradise Embac, Paquibato that killed Ata Manobo datu Ruben Enlog, Garyo Quimbo and Randy Carnasa.
The Army has maintained that the operation which led to the killings of civilians were a “legitimate encounter as soldiers were about to serve warrants of arrests against NPA members.”
Read: ‘Paquibato massacre’ survivor appears before Davao City Council hearing
Apiag said they are dismayed with CHR’s “inaction towards these extra judicial killings in the region.”
He said that the agency failed to file a case to the perpetrators of the extra- judicial killings.
“The CHR is inutile in protecting the human rights of the people,” he said.
Read: Davao City Council approves committee report, resolutions on ‘Paquibato Massacre’
Hopeful
Apiag said they are hopeful that the extrajudicial killings in the country will be addressed as the formal peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) resumes.
Apiag said they call for the accountability of Pres. Benigno Aquino III as the current commander-in-chief. (davaotoday.com)
