Team formed to probe lumad killings

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday created a fact-finding team to investigate the spate of killings of lumad leaders in Mindanao.

DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima signed Department Order 792, designating prosecutors and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation, led by NBI deputy director Edmundo Arugay, to handle the probe.

The five prosecutors were assistant state prosecutors Arnod Magpantay, Benjamin Samson, Marmarie Satin-Vivas, Mary Jane Sytat and Rohairah Lao.

The probe will cover the alleged crimes committed against the indigenous peoples, particularly the incidents at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran Compound in Davao, Talaingod in Davao del Norte, Pangantucan in Bukidnon and Lianga in Surigao del Sur.

The team will gather, review and evaluate evidence including the official reports and other documentation of incidents made by concerned government agencies.

De Lima gave the team 60 days to submit its findings.

On Tuesday, De Lima met with representatives of the lumads and assured them that justice would be served for their slain leaders.