MindaNews » Bukidnon tribal leaders file human rights complaints vs. Cafgus.

By Cong Corrales
September 7, 2012

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/7 Sept) – Leaders of a tribal community in Bukidnon have filed complaints at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Friday against the more than 20 members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) who allegedly raided their community for gold and cash early last month.

The lumad leaders belong to the community of slain tribal leader Jimmy Liguyon, barangay chairman of Dao in San Fernando town, said to be the center of illegal mining operations in the province. Liguyon opposed mining activities in his community.
The lumad leaders claimed they were harassed last Monday by at least eight masked men at the Bukidnon capitol grounds where they staged a campout.

Before filing the complaint, Datu Nilo Cabungcol, chairperson of Kaugalingong Sistema sa Igpasasindog to Lumadnong Ogpaan (Kasilo), raid victim Tessie Ombo and student activists sought the advise of Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ.

“This will be a test case on political will. If this cannot be resolved in the provincial level, then you can elevate it to the regional level,” Ledesma advised the lumad leaders.

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