Task force formed to go after lumad killers in Surigao Sur

A TASK force has been formed to go after the suspects behind the killings in Lianga, Surigao del Sur early this month, the military said on Thursday.

“Task Force Tejero was created during the executive meeting held at the governor’s office at the Surigao del Sur provincial capitol yesterday (Wednesday),” Army’s 4th Infantry Division spokesperson Col. Joe Patrick Martinez said.

The said task force is composed of police personnel from Surigao police and soldiers from the 402nd Infantry Brigade.

The meeting was presided by Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel and was attended by Army’s 4th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen Oscar Lactao; Deputy Regional Director for Operations PSSupt. Col. Gregorio Pimentel, Army’s 402nd Brigade Commander Col. Isidro Purisima and Surigao Police Provincial Office PSsupt. Narciso Verdadero.

“Governor Pimentel has called this executive session to discuss the primary function and who will compose the said Joint Task Force to include its immediate implementation,” Martinez said.

Charges were filed against the suspects Bobby Tejero, Loloy Tejero, Garito Layno and 20 John Does for the killings.

Last Sept. 1, Emerito Samarca, executive director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development or ALCADEV, and Manobo leaders Dionel Campos and Datu Juvillo Sinzo were killed by armed men believed to be the Magahat Bagani, a paramilitary force supposedly organized by the military. The AFP has denied any ties with the group.

The military insists that what happened stemmed from tribal conflict, which resulted in the evacuation of thousands of lumads.

“We will provide necessary resources to support the PNP on this law enforcement operation, especially on the immediate arrest of the suspects to shed light on the crimes they’ve committed,” Lactao said.