Another 1,000 lumad villagers flee homes

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Army officials disclosed yesterday that another group of at least 1,000 villagers from lumad communities fled their homes recently in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur.

The villagers from Barangay Mahaba evacuated following rumors that a fugitive leader of the paramilitary group Magahat and his followers were in the area, according to Col. Isidro Purisima, chief of the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade.

Lt. Col. Randolph Roxas, chief of the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion, said the evacuees are now staying at the Marihatag municipal gym.

Magahat leader Bobby Tejero, his brother Loloy, and Margarito Layno are suspects in the killing of two lumad leaders and a school official in Lianga town on Sept. 1.

The suspects reportedly led an armed group when they killed the victims in Barangay Diatagon.

The killing forced more than 3,000 lumad residents to evacuate for fear of being caught in the violence.

The evacuees are now staying at the Surigao del Sur sports complex in Tandag City, where senators held a public hearing on the issue on Oct. 1 and 2.

Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel formed Task Force Bangaw to hunt the suspects and disarm the Magahat.

Acting Lianga presiding Judge Edwin Malazarte issued on Sept. 22 warrants for the arrest of Layno and the Tejero brothers.

Marihatag Mayor Allan Pelenio said aside from the Magahat, residents are afraid of being caught in the crossfire between government troops and New People’s Army guerrillas.

Pelenio said he and Roxas have met with the evacuees and assured them that the Tejero brothers were not in the area.