In September 2015, at least 3,000 lumad from the towns of Lianga, Marihatag, San Agustin, San Miguel and Tago in Surigao del Sur evacuated after a paramilitary group killed three lumad leaders in the village of Diatagon in Lianga.
The Magahat-Bagani paramilitary group shot and killed administrator Emerito Samarca of the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, Dionel Campos of the Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod and his cousin Juvello Sinzo.
Over 800 students in three lumad schools in the province were among the evacuees.
Multiple murder and other criminal complaints were filed days after the incident against 23 leaders and members of the paramilitary group. —COMPILED BY KATHLEEN DE VILLA, INQUIRER RESEARCH
Sources: Inquirer Archives