| CHR to probe Lanao Norte massacre |
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| by Violeta M. Gloria/MindaNews | |
| Wednesday, 05 November 2008 13:05 | |
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ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews/04 Nov) -- The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) here will conduct an investigation Wednesday on the killing of six Maranao civilians and the wounding of five others when armed men wearing red scarves fired at them around 4 p.m. Sunday in Magsaysay town, Lanao del Norte.
The victims were on their way home on board a vehicle after attending a beach birthday party celebration of Magsaysay Mayor Omar Macamat in Linamon, Lanao del Norte. Killed were Musa Omar, the driver; Faisah Bualding, 4; Solaiman Omar, 33; Rason Omal; Sainoden Acampang, 10 and Mamao Muhaimen, 20. Guimal Amiroden, 30, is being treated at the Mercy Hospital for gunshot wound. Another victim was brought to the provincial hospital. A survivor reportedly told Lanao del Norte Rep. Bobby Dimaporo Monday that the attackers wore red head scarves, used high powered rifles, and brought with them kris, a Maranao warrior’s serrated machete.Florante Ursua, special investigator I of CHR, denied reports that the incident is related to the war between the military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “Ilaga, as alleged, has nothing to do with it. The vigilantes’ involvement in this case is not true,” Ursua said. “It was a vendetta (rido) and the incident was related to an incident last October 31, 5 p.m.,” he said. Ursua referred to the incident where a group of motorcycle-riding Maranao armed men killed Rodel Dingracia, a mestizo Maranao who belongs to a prominent Tayron clan in Magsaysay. Dingracia was a boar hunter and was suspected as an informant of carabao rustlers. “We are still completing our files and will hopefully do it tomorrow. It’s rido and there is nothing more to that,” said Ursua Ursua said CHR supports the position of Lanao del Norte Gov. Khalid Dimaporo that parties to the conflict should not put the law in their own hands but seek redress through the justice system. Meanwhile, members of the Lanao Human Rights Advocates are currently in Magsaysay to document the case. At the same time members of the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace Inc. are gathering data on the conflict and sending emissaries to possibly talk with the parties to it. “The socio-political dynamics of Magsaysay should be understood. It is also best to wait for the conclusion of the police investigation as basis for a more informed discussion and proper actions. This is the only best (option),” said Col. Benny De Leon, commanding officer of the 104th Infantry Brigade based in Iligan. Msgr. Jemar Vera Cruz of Iligan Diocese called the incident ‘unfortunate’. Magsaysay is a fifth class municipality with a population of 12,298. It has 24 barangays inhabited by Moro and settlers, some of whom have intermarried. Both groups have peacefully co-existed. (Violeta M. Gloria/MindaNews) Share this story through the following Social Media sites:            |
