Poe condemns lumad shelter fire, seeks probe

Sen. Grace Poe on Friday joined her presidential rivals in calling for the immediate investigation into the burning of the lumad evacuation center in Davao City as she reiterated her call to demilitarize their communities in Mindanao.

“We condemn this act against the lumad evacuees to the highest level. We call on the authorities to investigate at once the incident, get to the bottom of things and punish the perpetrators,” Poe said in a statement on Thursday.

“We also call for the demilitarization of lumad communities and to respect their right to determine their own path to prosperity based on their culture and beliefs,” she said.

Five lumad—including two children—were reportedly hurt when unidentified men burned down a dormitory in Haran Center at dawn on Wednesday. The place serves as an evacuation camp for Manobos from Davao del Norte and Bukidnon who fled the atrocities in their communities.

“Napakahirap na po ng buhay ng ating mga lumad, ‘yung mapagkaitan sila ng payapang buhay, edukasyon at pirming tirahan. Kung mapatunayang ang pagsunog na ito sa evacuation camp ay sinasadya, kailangang panagutin agad kung sino man ang responsable sa nangyaring ito,” said Poe.

Last year, the senator filed Senate Resolution No. 1572, seeking an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the lumad killings that she said had become more frequent and brazen. She called on lawmakers to formulate legislative measures protecting, furthering and improving the welfare of various indigenous peoples and tribes in the Philippines.

Poe also denounced the reported closure of schools and the threats to teachers who serve in lumad communities.

Some of her opponents in the presidential race—Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte—have also called for an investigation into the incident. RC

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