BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Lumad groups on Saturday decried the deployment by the military of augmentation forces in different areas in the Caraga region, saying the troops were not meant to protect their communities but the mining firms.
Officials and members of lumad groups Malahutayong Pakigbisog alang sa Sumusunod (Mapasu) and Kasalo said that in Surigao del Sur alone, five Army battalions have been deployed in seven municipalities surrounding the Andap Valley Complex.
“They are focusing their military operations in lumad and peasant communities located within the coal and mineral-rich Andap Valley Complex,” Kasalo spokesperson Josephine Pagalan said.
Lt. Col. Gaspar Panopio, chief of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, confirmed to The STAR that his troops from Bohol have arrived in Surigao del Sur to augment the troops in Lianga town.
“We were sent here to arrest the suspects in the killing of lumad leaders and protect the community,” Panopio said.
Pagalan said the military has never secured the tribal villages, but instead organized paramilitary groups.
She said these armed groups killed their leaders and attacked their communities to allow coal mine operations in Andap.
The groups demanded the pullout of troops from their communities and the officers involved in the killing of lumad leaders Dionel Campos, Juvello Sinzo and Emerito Samarca relieved and investigated.
The groups urged the government to look into the plight of 587 lumad families who fled from their homes out of fear for their lives.