Guingona seeks Senate probe on Lumad killings

Senator TG Guingona (Photo courtesy of @TgGuingona / Twitter)

MANILA – The Senate will be conducting investigations regarding the alleged killing of a paramilitary group on three leaders of indigenous groups (IP) in Sitio Han-ayan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur earlier this month.

Emerito Samarca, one of the victims, was accused by the paramilitary group of being a New People’s Army (NPA) member. On the night of the killings, he was stabbed in the chest and slashed in his throat.

Other victims Dionel Campos and Jovelo Sinzo were shot in the back of their heads.

Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the Senate peace, unification and reconciliation committee, condemned the killings and demanded a Senate probe.

“I think it is time that the Senate, as an institution, put its foot down and do our little bit in restoring the rule of law. Let us conduct an investigation,” Guingona said in a speech.

“The request of the governor is let us conduct an investigation, not here in Metro Manila but there in Surigao del Sur so that he can bring the witnesses, the numerous witnesses, the numerous victims, the wives of those who have died to testify, to tell what has happened,” he added.