Tribal spokesman killed in Boracay

BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines (Xinhua) - A spokesman for an aboriginal group in Boracay was shot dead by unidentified armed suspects yesterday night in Barangay Manoc Manoc, local police said.

Police authorities identified the victim as Dexter Condez, the spokesperson for Boracat Ati Tribal Organization (BATO). Companions of the victim immediately brought him to the Boracay District Hospital after the incident happened, the police said, but he was declared dead on arrival.

Delsa Justo, chief of BATO, said Condez have been actively calling the government to provide them the piece of land promised to them by the National Commission on Indigenous Person (NCIP).

The Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government had come over last month to investigate the claims of the indigenous people. According to BATO, the piece of land promised to them after decades-long struggle were being blocked by an influential businessman.

Xinhua tried to interview the Boracay Tourists Assistance Center of the Philippine National Police but got no comment. Police officials said they are still investigating the incident.