NPA on a rampage in Caraga — Gonzales

Thirteen civilians, among them seven Lumad leaders, have been killed by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the CARAGA Region since August, Malacañang said yesterday.

Quoting reports from military commanders, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said the most prominent among the victims were Datu Lintahudan, Kalihukan sa Nasudnong Minorya chief in Barangay Lawan-lawan, Datu Gris and Datu Alabat.

The killings occurred mostly in the towns of Buenavista and Las Nieves in Agusan del Norte, he added.

Gonzales said the killing of Alabat was the most brutal since he was shot to death in front of his people.

The killings could lead to more bloodshed since the displaced families, along with members of other communities in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, have vowed to take revenge, he added.

Lumad leaders in these provinces have called on Lumad soldiers to take up arms and join their people’s call for vengeance, he added.

Gonzales said the six others were also killed in a span of one week in Valencia in Bukidnon, Balingasag in Misamis Oriental, Buenavista in Agusan del Norte, Trento in Agusan del Sur, and in Surigao del Sur.

They were killed by an NPA hit squad, he added.

Gonzales said the victims included two farmers, a cattle trader, a former policeman and a sibling of a leader of Aksyon Sambayan in Agusan del Sur.

It is possible that the NPA carried out the killings as a diversionary tactic to "loosen up" military operations in areas under rebel control, Gonzales said, quoting military officials. — Paolo Romero