DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 26, 2014) – Tribesmen in the southern Philippines have expressed grave concern over the proliferation of paramilitary and vigilante groups in the region.
According to PASAKA Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao, these armed groups are being supported by the military and also notorious human rights violators, especially in Davao del Norte province.
The military are using these militia groups to fight the communist rebel group New People’s Army, but there were many reports that even innocent civilians are also being targeted on mere suspicion they are either supporters or members of the NPA.
Hanimay Suazo, Secretary General of Karapatan in Southern Mindanao, also said paramilitary groups bring fear and terror among tribesmen and farmers because militias would often harass and coerce them into supporting the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.
There was no immediate statement from the military about the concerns raised by PASAKA and Karapatan. Both organizations demanded the dismantling of the militia groups. (Mindanao Examiner)
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