Surigao Sur under state of calamity
TANDAG CITY, Philippines – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur has declared a state of calamity due to the influx of lumads to this city, following the killing of their leaders by an armed group claiming to be anti-communist.
The lumads have been staying at the provincial sports complex arena since Sept. 1.
The declaration was contained in Resolution No. 076, which was passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in a regular session on Wednesday.
Gov. Johnny Pimentel said the declaration was made after villagers from five towns fled their homes on Aug. 9 due to the killing of two of their leaders in San Miguel.
“This was followed on Sept. 1 when two more lumad leaders and a chief of a tribal school were killed in Lianga town,” Pimentel said.
Provincial administrator Efren Rivas said three other Surigao del Sur towns were affected by the lumad unrest and evacuation.
Rivas said the province is running out of relief goods and funds to assist the evacuees. He said their stock is good only until Sept. 21.
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