Lumads flee Agusan homes amid new wave of violence

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur – An estimated 200 families or more than 800 individuals from the Talaindig tribe fled their highland homes and farmlands following the killing of their leaders in Kilometer 55, Barangay Zillovia here.

The displaced lumads are temporarily sheltered at a gymnasium in Talacogon while being attended to by the local government, said Municipal Administrator Atty. Ferdausi Cerna.

He said the members of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) are holding meetings to address the problem of the lumad evacuees and their highland communities.

Aside from food provisions, the other key concern of the lumads is the health of their children, Cerna said.

He added that the MPOC is still trying to establish the motive of the killing of the lumad leaders and the identities of the perpetrators.

Social workers of the Provincial Development and Welfare Office yesterday were directed by Gov. Adolph Edward G. Plaza to bring along with them food assistance and medicines to the lumad evacuees and likewise extend due assistance to the Talacogon local government.

It was learned that the lumads fled their homes following the killing of Erning Alaki and Ricky Bucalas.

Alaki’s body was found at Tumalog Creek, in Sitio Tumalog, Barangay Zillovia on June 4, 2016 while Bucalas’ remains were found in Sitio Tumalog of that same town last Sunday, June 5.

Meanwhile, Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) director Joseph D. Plaza confirmed the killing of Alaki and Bucalas and already ordered the Talacogon Municipal Police Station to conduct a thorough investigation .

Last April, Talaandig tribal leader Datu Lalinan Mansolbadan was also allegedly killed by unidentified armed men in Barangay Binicalan, San Luis town, Agusan del Sur.