Dear Friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) deeply regrets to inform you that members of the Talaandig tribe were killed without reason by the Dela Mance paramilitary group, as well as during a military operation in Bukidnon.
CASE DETAILS: (Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamayan ng Pilipinas (KATRIBU))
On 6 May 2016 at 2 p.m., 64-year-old Datu Mansulbadab Lalilan, belonging to the Talaandig tribe, was draining the small stream (a traditional method of fishing) when Mankolobi Bocalas and two armed men gunned him down using a M16 rifle and carbine while crossing in front of him in Katigbaw, Talacogon, Agusan del sur.
Lalilan suffered two gunshot wounds to his chest and stomach, causing his death. Mankolobi Bocalas and his brother Manlumakad Bocalas are affiliated with the Dela Mance paramilitary group. Previously, they had been terrorizing ethnic tribes in remote barangays in Cabanglasan, Malaybalay City.
In addition, on 27 April 2016, several Talaandig tribe members were affected by the military operation in Sitio Kaulayanan, Lirongan, Talakas, Bukidnon. One of these, Edjan Talian, was a 6-year-old boy who was shot after coming 200 meters away from his house to fetch water. Second, Michael Sib-ot was shot as he ran out of his house and sought refuge at a nearby church. Third, Romel Talian, ran out of his house and rolled down the hills followed by gunfire, which hit his buttocks.
The Dela Mance paramilitary group is also affiliated to Alamara, a large paramilitary group operating in the remote areas of Bukidnon, Agusan Del Sur and Davao del Norte.
The Dela Mance group are known to undertake criminal acts such as land grabbing, extortion, and robbery, among others, and are allegedly backed by the Philippine military since 1995 when the group, then headed by Doro Dela Mance, posed as rebel returnees.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Kindly send letters to the concerned authorities listed below requesting their immediate intervention into this case.
The AHRC is also writing a separate letter to the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions and has informed the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear __________,
Philippines: Talaandig tribals killed by paramilitary and military personnel
Name of killed victims:
Datu Mansulbadab Lalilan, 64-years-old. He belong to Talaandig tribe
Adjan Talian, 6-years-old, He belong to Talaandig tribe
Name of wounded victims:
Michael Sib-ot, with gunshot wound
Rmel Talian, he was hit on his buttock
Name of Alleged Perpetrator:
Mankolobi Bocalas and Manlumakad Bocalas, members of the Dela Mance paramilitary group
Date of incident:
6 May 2016 at 2 p.m.
27 April 2016
Place of Incident:
Katigbaw, Talacogon, Agusan del sur
Sitio Kaulayanan, Lirongan, Talakas, Bukidnon
I am writing to voice my grave concern for the continued killing of the tribal people in Bukidnon.
On 6 May 2016 at 2 p.m., 64-year-old Datu Mansulbadab Lalilan, belonging to the Talaandig tribe, was draining the small stream (a traditional method of fishing) when Mankolobi Bocalas and two armed men gunned him down using a M16 rifle and carbine while crossing in front of him in Katigbaw, Talacogon, Agusan del sur. Lalilan suffered two gunshot wounds to his chest and stomach, causing his death.
In addition, on 27 April 2016, several Talaandig tribe members were affected by the military operation in Sitio Kaulayanan, Lirongan, Talakas, Bukidnon. One of these, Edjan Talian, was a 6-year-old boy who was shot after coming 200 meters away from his house to fetch water. Second, Michael Sib-ot was shot as he ran out of his house and sought refuge at a nearby church. Third, Romel Talian, ran out of his house and rolled down the hills followed by gunfire, which hit his buttocks.
Mankolobi Bocalas is part of the Dela Mance paramilitary group, which is involved in criminal acts such as land grabbing, robbery and extortion. The group is also affiliated to Alamara, a large paramilitary group operating in the remote areas of Bukidnon, Agusan Del Sur and Davao del Norte.
I respectfully urge the Philippine National Police to conduct an impartial and adequate investigation into these killing of indigenous civilians, and to initiate and investigation into the alleged involvement of military members. Also, please ensure that the families of the victims are given protection adequately and the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines should monitor and evaluate whether the investigation is conducted in accordance with standards of fair trial.
I trust that you will take appropriate action in this.
Yours sincerely,
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PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. Benigno Aquino III
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel
Manila 1005
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 736 1010
Tel: +63 2 735 6201 / 564 1451 to 80
2. Mr. Jose Luis Martin Gascon
Chairperson
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 929 0102
3. Ret. Lt. Gen. Voltaire T. Gazmin
Secretary, Department of National Defense
Room 301 DND Building, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo,
E. de los Santos Avenue, Quezon City
Voice:+63(2) 911-9281 / 911-0488
Fax:+63(2) 911 6213
Email: osnd@philonline.com
4. Mr. Emmanuel Caparas
Secretary
Department of Justice (DOJ)
DOJ Bldg., Padre Faura
1004 Manila
PHILIPPINES
Telefax: +632 523-954
5. Atty. Leonor T. Oralde-Quintayo
Chairperson
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
Email: chairpersonsoffice@gmail.com
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
