Guingona Calls on Colleagues to Help Restore Rule of Law in Surigao del Sur

Senator Teofiso Guingona III called on his colleagues on Monday to restore rule of law in Surigao del Sur by conducting investigation into the alleged killings of Lumads in the province.

”Mr. President, I think it is time that the Senate, as an institution, put its foot down and do our little bit in restoring the rule of law. Let us conduct an investigation,” Guingona said in his privilege speech.

Guingona proposed that the Senate should grant the request of Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel to hold the investigation in Mindanao.

”Let us conduct an investigation not here in Metro Manila but there in Surigao del Sur so that we bring the numerous witnesses and victims, the wives of those who died to testify, to tell what has happened,” Guingona said.

Guingona said he would like to know why the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have not done anything about the reported harassment and killings of Lumads.

”I think it is time that we, as an institution, do our share. This situation is alarming; this situation seems like there is anarchy in Surigao del Sur,” Guingona said.

Last week, Senators Grace Poe and Loren Legarda filed separate resolution seeking inquiry into the alleged killing of lumads in Mindanao.

In her Senate Resolution No. 1572, Poe said the investigation should result in “meting out the appropriate sanctions to those liable, and formulating legislative measures protecting, furthering and improving the welfare of various indigenous peoples and tribes in the Philippines.

Poe expressed alarm over reports that members of the 36th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and a paramilitary group were behind the harassment, killing, and forced evacuation of the Lumads in Caraga region.

Legarda strongly condemned the recent killing of Lumad leaders, prompting her to file Senate Resolution No. 1575. (PNA) SCS/JFM