Military blamed for deaths of 3 farmers in Compostela Valley
TAGUM CITY — Human rights group Karapatan in Southern Mindanao reported on Tuesday that three militant farmers were killed in Laak, Compostela Valley, on Monday.
Jay Apiag, Karapatan Southern Mindanao regional spokesperson, said they suspected military agents as responsible in the killing of Cora Molina and couple Arman and Arlyn Almonicar.
The military has yet to comment on Apiag’s claim.
Apiag said the first attack happened at the house of the 45-year old Molina at Barangay (Village) Kibaguio, when an unidentified gunman shot her repeatedly at about 3 p.m.
Some four hours later, the Almonicars were attacked near their home Purok (Community) 2 in Barangay Bollukan, he said.
A member of Nagkahiusang mga Mag-uuma sa Laak (United Farmers of Laak) or Namulak, Molina had been receiving threats from the military, Apiag said.
“Cora was summoned many times to the (60th Infantry Battalion) camp. She had also been vilified as a sympathizer of the (New People’s Army),” he said, adding the Almonicar couple was also Namulak members. CBB