3 ‘lumad’ slain in Agusan del Norte

Three Higaonon and Dagatnon lumads were allegedly killed by members of the New People’s Army operating in the area of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, the Police Regional Office-13.

In a press statement, Police Chief Superintendent Gilberto DC Cruz, Caraga Police Director, has ordered Buenavista Municipal Police Station to conduct thorough investigation on the killing of Alfredo Tomaquin Sr, 61 years old; Paka Pinatugaw, 47 years old; and Pina Pinatugaw, 48 years old, all are male, married, farmers and residents of Sitio Bagang, Brgy Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Multiple hacks and gunshot wounds were found in the victims’ bodies causing their death.

Investigation revealed that on the morning of November 6, 2018, the three victims went to the farm of Wang Gew Ryoo, a Korean National, in Sitio Labong, Barangay Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte but were not able to go home in the evening.

The dead bodies of the victims were found in November 7 by Danilo Tomaquin, the son of Alfredo. Fired cartridges of M16 and carbine were recovered in the crime scene.

“The Police Regional Office 13 strongly condemns the lumad killings perpetrated by the NPA rebels. Justice will be served to the family of the victims,” Cruz said.

Cruz urged anyone who has reliable information about the incident to report to Buenavista Police Station at 0998-598-7275 or to the Regional Tactical Operations Center with their mobile number 0949-175-8787.

(PJ Orias) The 3 coffins containing the dead bodies of Don Remar Andales, Clifford Abales, Vincent Viemen were displayed in front of the Tagoloan police station shortly before they were laid to rest at San Martin, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental on Saturday, November 10, 2018. The victims' families continue to insist the 3 were killed by policemen.