DAVAO CITY – Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate vowed to initiate a congressional inquiry on the alleged massacre in Paquibato after the Army killed three civilians midnight last Sunday (June 14). The victims included Ata Manobo tribal leader Datu Ruben Enlog, Randy Carnasa and Oligario Quimbo.
The Army said the three victims were members of the New People’s Army who fired upon them. The Army also said they have warrants of arrest for the victims.
Zarate, who joined the recently conducted National Fact-Finding Mission in Paquibato by human rights advocates on Saturday, said the military’s claim is “full of falsehood”.
Zarate, along with 76 other participants initiated the probe after the strafing incident on the residence of peasant leader Aida Seisa, who survived the incident together with her mother, husband and child.
The probe aimed to gather accounts from the victims’ neighbors, said Pedro Arnado of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, one of the mission’s organizers.
In a press release, Zarate said the military’s account of the incident is “very illogical and unbelievable” after hearing the testimonies of the neighbors and kin of the victims residing near Seisa’s residence.
Zarate said the alleged “landmines” found near the victims’ dead bodies “were planted in order for the military to claim them as NPA members.”
“It’s a big lie. The victims’ neighbors could attest that they are civilians,” Zarate said.
Zarate lamented that the “abuses committed by the military remains unpunished, resulting to the continuing violations of human rights, particularly of hapless civilians.”
Human rights group Karapatan said they will present the results of the fact-finding mission this week. (davaotoday.com)
