The team said the ongoing ‘militarization’ coincided with the impending entry of a plantation project in these areas.
It said some 20 elements of the 60th IB have been encamping right within the villages of
Sitio Dulyan, Barangay Sto.Nino.
Troops belonging to a Re-engineered Special Operations Team, now called the Community Assistance Development Team, have also encamped within Sitios Banwalay, Bagang, Laboo, Laslasakan, Bugni, Sambolongan, and Nasilaban in Barangay Palma Gil, it added.
Schools have become military camps, the fact-finding team said, adding lumad teachers at Salupongan Ta Tanu Igkanugon Learning Center, the only functional school in the area, reportedly experienced harassment and were branded as communists.
“The teachers were constantly being intimidated and harassed by the soldiers led by Sgt. Chirstopher Oliveros. They testified how they were constantly interrogated and their credibility was questioned,” the statement said.[]
Residents have also been forced to join a paramilitary group called the Bagani Force.[]
