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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Deeper probe on murder of ex-village exec sought

Deeper probe on murder of ex-village exec sought

Published Oct 3, 2025 04:00 pm
DAVAO CITY – An Indigenous Peoples leader in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have urged a deeper probe on the recent murder of a former barangay official in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur.
Timuay Labi Leticio Datuwata, the Supreme Tribal Chieftain of the Timuay Justice and Governance (TJG), said the killing of Ramon Lopos, a member of the Teduray-Lambiangan tribe, is alarming.
Datuwata said Lopos was the 102nd IP member killed since 2018.
Almost all IP killings in the region remain unsolved, he lamented. Like in previous cases, Lopos’ killing was due to an alleged land conflict.
Datuwata urged senators to hold an inquiry on the situation and security of Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs) in the BARMM.
Datuwata said that the victim was a former councilor in Barangay Maantao in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, but was forced to evacuate to Barangay Limpungo, also in Datu Hoffer, few months ago due to a series of harassment perpetrated by an unidentified armed group.
“He cultivated a farmland of his relative for living. But he was killed by those who wanted to grab the land from his relatives, who had already refused to give up the land. He was shot and beheaded,” said Datuwata who spoke in behalf the Teduray and Lambiangan tribes in the region.
The tribal leader urged police to conduct a deeper probe of all the killings of the tribe in the region.
He asked the police and the military to intensify operations against armed lawless groups believed to be operating in the area.
The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) appealed to the police to conduct a prompt investigation on the killing of Lopos.
BARMM interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua condemned the killing of Lopos.
“This act of inhumanity is an affront to peace, justice, and human dignity. Walang puwang ang ganitong uri ng karahasan sa Bangsamoro,” Macacua said.
“This tragedy comes as the nation marks October as Indigenous Peoples Month to honor their resilience and contributions. Instead, we are reminded of the injustices they still endure.”

Related Tags

IP leader Datu Hoffer Maguindanao del Sur Murder Deaths Crime
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