CHR condemns killing of school exec, lumad leaders in Surigao

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned the killing of a school director and two leaders of the lumad communities by alleged paramilitary forces in Lianga, Surigao del Sur on Tuesday.

CHR chairman Chito Gascon urged law enforcers to pursue the killers of Emerito Samacra, executive director of Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development (Alcadev) and community leaders Dionel Campos and Aurelio Sinzo.

Gascon urged the government to address the humanitarian crisis that prompted over 2,000 residents to flee from their homes in Tandag City.

“We call for the disbandment of the Bagani to ensure the safety of the people,” Gascon said.

The victims were reportedly killed by members of the Magahat or Bagani paramilitary forces, according to human rights group Karapatan.

The group said the body of Samacra was found on Sept. 1 in a school in Barangay Han-ayan.

Campos and Sinzo were allegedly shot in front of the villagers on the same day.

“The Bagani paramilitary and the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion have been accusing the Alcadev as an NPA (New People’s Army) school, killing teachers, community leaders and depriving the lumads of education,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said.