DAVAO CITY- Tribal and farmers groups and human rights advocates from both local and national offices will conduct an on-site probe on Saturday on the massacre of tribesmen in Paquibato district here.
The National Fact-Finding Mission to Paquibato will be joined by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas in Southern Mindanao, Pasaka Confederation of Lumad Organization and Kalumaran. Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Carlos Zarate will also attend the fact-finding.
The mission aims to gather more accounts on the June 14 alleged massacre that transpired in Purok 7, Paradise Embac, Paquibato District.
The area is more than 70 kilometers north of downtown.
Three civilians died on Sunday midnight after an attack by the Army’s 69th Infantry Battalion who were allegedly pursuing members of the New People’s Army who fired upon them.
Army commander Lt. Col. Rodney Intal said they acted on the reports from the local residents “of the presence of armed group on extortion activities in the area.”
However, families of the victims appeared before the City Council on Tuesday to belie the military’s claim saying their relatives are civilians. One of the victims was Sitio Manipis tribal leader Datu Ruben Enlog, while the other two were Oligario Quimbo and Randy Carnasa.
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Pedro Arnado, spokesperson for KMP, said “the purpose of the mission is to ascertain the details of the incident, and get the accounts of the neighbors who were close to the area at the time of the incident.”
“We have to get the story of those who were at the sidelines of the massacre. This will help us unravel the truth,” Arnado said.
Zarate said the mission is important “not only to validate and gather additional facts on this recent case of senseless massacre of innocent civilians, but this will also provide our office an initial assessment for the planned congressional investigation on the continuing violations committed by government troops.”
The results of the fact-finding mission will be announced next week.
Meanwhile, Councilor Karlo Bello, who heads the Committee on Human Rights, said they will hold a hearing and will invite the Army to attend.
Army general Eduardo Año said on Wednesday that they welcome the investigation. (davaotoday.com)
