Probe sought in Mayumi killing

IFUGAO representative Teddy Baguilat is calling for an investigation on the killing of Ricardo Mayumi and the worsening human rights situation of indigenous peoples in the country.

In a resolution, Baguilat called on the House Committee on Indigenous Peoples to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation on the death of the Ifugao environmentalist activist.

On March 2, Mayumi was shot in Ambabag in Kiangan town by two unidentified assailants.

"Prior to his death, Mayumi has served as a leader in the Ifugao peasant movement and has pro actively advocated to protect the rights of fellow indigenous people, the death of Mayumi adds to the growing list of indigenous peoples who have been killed, incarcerated and vilified around the country,” Baguilat said.

The shooting happened in the evening while a cousin and neighbor of the victim was inside their house when her dog was barking and suddenly heard four gunshots.

Minutes later, her neighbor and brother in-law Dennis Osmogan went to their house and told her cousin Ricardo was shot.

Further investigation revealed one of the suspect was seen wearing black jacket with bonnet while the other one was wearing brown jacket with helmet.

Hot pursuit operation was conducted for the possible arrest of the suspects, however, yielded negative.

SOCO team processed the crime scene and were able to recovered three empty shells of cal. 45 pistol. The victim sustained one gunshot wound on his left cheek, one from the left chest, two from the left arm and two from the left ribs.

The case is still under investigation.

It has been decried by various IP organiza- tions that under the regime of President Rodrigo Duterte, at least two indigenous people have been killed every month.

“The Committee on Indigenous Peoples should be at the forefront of determining the proper implementation of laws that protect indigenous peoples rights, particularly the IP rights,” added Baguilat.