CHR holds public inquiry on lumad killings

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will start today a two-day public inquiry in Davao City on the situation of lumads in Mindanao, including the killings of community leaders in the past months.

The inquiry, to be led by CHR commissioners Leah Tanodra-Armamento and Roberto Cadiz, will be conducted in parallel with the fact-finding investigation of the agency’s regional offices on the alleged human rights violations committed against indigenous peoples in Mindanao.

CHR chairperson Chito Gascon said the inquiry would determine the root cause of the incidents and shed light on the real situation of the indigenous communities.

“We will try to understand the difficult situation that the lumads are experiencing and recommend initiatives,” Gascon said.

The CHR chief, who is also expected to visit the UCCP Haran evacuation center in Davao City where around 1,000 lumad evacuees are sheltered, said they have invited all the parties involved – including the military – to attend the inquiry.

Gascon last week pleaded with the government to address the crisis allegedly aggravated by paramilitary forces.

“The situation is getting grave. People are getting sick,” Gascon said following a meeting with lumad leaders last week.