BUTUAN CITY – Diseases and hunger stalk 1,548 evacuees, mostly tribal folk and minors, from 10 villages in two towns in Surigao del Sur who have reportedly fled their homes due to heightened hostilities between the military and the New People’s Army (NPA) since Nov. 20.
Jalandoni Campos, president of the federated local community association called Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (Sustainable Struggle for Next Generation), told reporters at the Caraga regional office of the human rights group Karapatan here last Saturday that alleged militarization in their area has forced villagers in Lianga and San Agustin towns to evacuate.
The affected villages, according to Campos, are Kabuluhan, Lagangan, Han-ayan, Mike, Kilometer 16, Simowao, Emerald, Manluy-a, and Panukmoan, all in Lianga town; and Magkahunao in San Agustin town.
The STAR repeatedly tried to contact Col. Jose Vizacara, commander of the Army’s 402nd Infantry Battalion, through his mobile phone but to no avail.