https://www.nbi.gov.ph/ photo
MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Justice on Friday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to hunt down and arrest a militia leader in Bukidnon accused of killing an anti-mining activist in front of his family in March.
Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan gave the order after Sharon Liguyon, the widow of slain activist Datu Jimmy Liguyon, five bishops of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and several clergymen and lay workers went to the DOJ to seek justice.
A warrant of arrest was issued for primary suspect in the case, Alde “Butsoy” Salusad, who continues to evade the law.
“Our commitment is for justice to move in this case and for the warrants to be immediately served,” Baraan said after meeting Liguyon and her supporters.
“We will ask the National Bureau of Investigation to assist the PNP (Philippine National Police) in effecting the arrest of Butsoy and his accomplices. They belong to an armed group so we need to plan well their arrest,” he added.
Baraan said Salusad allegedly shot dead Liguyon, a UCCP local council chair and barangay kagawad (village councilor), outside his home in Barangay Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon on March 5, 2012. The victim’s wife and two children witnessed the killing.
“He was killed because he was an environmental activist who was against mining. A case has been filed against Salusad but the warrant of arrest has not been served,” Baraan said.
The UCCP alleged that Salusad leads the armed group New Indigenous Peoples Army Reform (Nipar) and that he has been able to roam freely in San Fernando “armed with a Baby Armalite.”
“We appeal for an urgent investigation into why the PNP has failed to arrest (Salusad). Salusad should immediately be taken into custody,” the UCCP said.
The Church also alleged that Nipar was conniving with the Special Civilian Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) of the 8th Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army. SCAA is reportedly headed by the suspect’s father, Benjamin Salusad.
In a letter to President Aquino, UCCP bishops said Nipar and SCAA were also involved in the killing of two other UCCP members earlier this year.
“We ask you, Mr. President: How many more indigenous people from Barangay Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon, will you let die?” the letter said. “The climate of impunity is only strengthened as warrants of arrest are not served, alleged perpetrators remain at large, and paramilitaries are permitted to make death threats, harass, intimidate and sow terror amongst the indigenous peoples in far-flung areas,” it added.