Group cries for justice for Lumad teen allegedly killed by Cafgu member

MANILA, Philippines — A 15-year-old Lumad (indigenous peoples) student was allegedly killed by a member of a paramilitary unit in Davao del Norte, a child rights’ advocates network said.

The Save Our Schools (SOS) Network said on their Facebook page late Monday that they received information that Jerome Pangadas, a Grade 6 student, was allegedly shot by a Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) member in Sitio Milyong, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Talaingod in Davao del Norte.

Pangadas, the SOS Network said, is a student of the Salugpongan Ta ‘Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center.

It cited reports from the community which said that a Cafgu member allegedly open fired at a certain “Andomeng” and “Umow,” who are residents of Sitio Milyon, last March 15 at around 6 p.m.

Only one of them sustained wounds but Pangadas was hit in the head, which led to his instantaneous death.

Pangadas, the SOS network noted, was watching television in the house of “Andomeng” when the incident occurred.

Justice for Jerome

On Tuesday, the Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC) demanded justice for Pangadas.

In a statement, it said that Pangadas is the 10th minor to be killed by the administration’s “counter-insurgency program that has been targeting civilians and children.”

“The military have been actively recruiting [Cafgu] and paramilitary among the Manobo residents in Talaingod. Military should spare civilian communities and children from the attacks and operations and pull out their troops from their communities,” it said.

“CRC not only demands justice for Jerome Pangadas but also for all children victims of human rights violations,” it added. /je