Makabayan bloc lawmakers on Friday, June 19 called for an independent investigation into the alleged massacre of a 12-year-old girl and two other members of the Lumad-Manobo tribe on Tuesday in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
The 3rd Special Battalion Force of the Philippine Army insisted that the incident was a legitimate encounter between its troops and alleged New People’s Army members.
Killed were sisters, Angel,12 and Lenie Rivas, 28, and Willy Rodriguez, 20. Rodriguez and Lenie are members of the Lumad organization Malahutayong Pakigbisog alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU).
In its regular virtual press conference held Friday, the Makabayan lawmakers condemned the killings as massacre, saying that the three killed victims were harvesting abaca hemp at their farm when fired upon by the AFP troops.
"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the killing of Lumad-Manobo farmers. More human rights violations and crimes against humanity prevail under the Duterte administration, targeting civilians and presenting them as members of the New People's Army," stated Asst. Minority Leader and Gabriela Partylist Rep. France Castro.
Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said the incident should be investigated by an independent body.
Rep. Sarah Jane Elago of Kabataan Partylist joined the call for an “impartial and independent probe”, stressing that there should be “justice and accountability” on what happened.
Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat said that relatives of the three slain individuals recounted that they were indeed harvesting abaca when killed.
According to the relatives the three had even sought the permission of the AFP detachment in the area to gather the abaca before they were killed.
Zarate recalled that the incident was the second time Lumad members were “massacred” on mere suspicion of being NPA members. On September 1, 2015, three Lumad leader in Lianga, including the head of the tribe, were killed.