NPA spokesperson admits rebels kill tribal leader

Members of the New People’s Army (NPA) admitted that it is responsible for the death of a town’s representative of the indigenous peoples (IP) in the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) in Magpet, Cotabato, its spokesperson revealed on Sunday, April 8. (PNA photo)

Members of the New People’s Army (NPA) admitted that it is responsible for the death of a town’s representative of the indigenous peoples (IP) in the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) in Magpet, Cotabato, its spokesperson revealed on Sunday, April 8.

According to NPA’s spokeswoman Isabel Santiago, the rebel group ordered Antonio Takinan’s death, which served as his punishment for his alleged involvement in the anti-insurgency campaign and human rights violations in the province.

Takinan, an ex-officio member of the SB, was shot dead on April 4 by six suspected communist rebels in Barangay Tagbac.

His two other companions were identified as Robello Tambunan, his brother-in-law, and a village watchman, Rene Soriano.

The victims were said to be riding two separate motorcycles and were heading home after attending the town council session when they were attacked by the rebels who carried .45 caliber pistols and M-16 assault rifles.

Takinan was accused by Santiago of serving as an intelligence agent for the military and was responsible for forced recruitment of some IPs to combat the NPA.

“The standing order imposed by the NPA against Takinan stemmed from his active intelligence gathering activities, forced recruitment of indigenous peoples for the paramilitary CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) Bagani fighters, and assisting the military in its combat operations that resulted in grave human rights and international humanitarian law violations,” Santiago said.

“Takinan’s intel activities led to the indiscriminate mortar shelling and aerial bombardment of Lumad communities on December 21 last year by the 39th Infantry Battalion,” she added.

The NPA official stressed that the slain tribal leader also helped government troops “terrorize” IP communities of Manobo, forcing civilians to either surrender or admit being communist supporters.

Aside from this, Santiago also disclosed that Takinan “took advantage” of land disputes in the hinterlands of Magpet by extorting money from the Lumads.

Before the NPA could even release its statement on the matter, the police earlier tagged them as the perpetrator of the ambush.

Rep. Nancy Catamco of North Cotabato’s 2nd district on Friday urged the government forces to look deeper into the case of the slain tribal leader “so justice will be served.”

“Bring the suspects before the bar of justice to restore the IPs confidence in the government,” Catamco said in a statement.

“Let us not be carried by our emotions. Let us reflect on why it happened and its message so we take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future,” she added.

According to Magpet Police Chief Senior Insp.

Jose Mari Molina, Takinan had been receiving threats to his life but ignored it, saying that he had no known enemies.