Duterte orders probe into fire that hit lumad’s temporary shelter

DAVAO CITY—Presidential aspirant and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a thorough probe into the fire that attempted to burn the evacuation site of lumad inside the Haran compound of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) but succeeded only in razing down two student dormitory buildings also inside the compound on Wednesday dawn.

Peter Laviña, Duterte’s spokesperson, said the mayor has tasked the Davao City police to determine whether or not the fire that hurt five lumad, including two children at the evacuation site, and razed down two student dormitories, was a case of arson.

Haran has been the temporary shelter of lumad who have fled their homes in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, because of the relentless presence in their communities of soldiers who have accused them of being sympathizers of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

“Duterte also called on the Davaoeños to stay calm as he assured them that the city government is on top of the situation,” Laviña said.

“Duterte sympathizes with the plight of the lumad and joins the call by peace-loving people of Davao for respect for their right to self-determination, their right over their ancestral land, cultural integrity, and for a meaningful economic growth and justice,” he added. RC