Lawmakers from Mindanao on Friday sought an independent investigation on the death of nine local Muslim farmers in Kabacan, North Cotabato last August 29, 2020.
In House Resolution 1183, Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, Amihilda Sangcopan of Anak Mindanao, Esmael Mangudadatu of Maguindanao, Munir Arbison of Sulu Rep. Rashidin Matba of Tawi-Tawi, Yasser Alonto Balindong and Ansaruddin Abdul Malik Adiong of Lanao del Sur also asked the House Committee on Public Order and Safety and the Committee on Muslim Affairs to conduct a joint inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the alleged involvement of policemen in the massacre of the nine Moros – including two minors.
Hataman said “just as violence has no place in our communities, a culture of impunity should also be cast aside and eliminated, especially in our law enforcement agencies that are supposed to uphold the law.”
Mangudadatu also denounced the death of nine local Muslim farmers. “We are truly heartbroken and outraged with the death of the farmers who were reportedly ordered to alight from their motorcycles while traversing the road along Aringay Road proximate to the University of Southern Mindanao campus,” Mangudadatu.
Mangudadatu cited news reports with saying that the suspects opened fire at the victims using high-powered guns, instantly killing eight of the victims. The ninth victim died while being treated at a hospital.
For her part, Sangcopan said that as a member of Congress representing the Muslims, indigenous peoples, and Christians and their families, the condemnation against the brutal shooting of the nine Muslim farmers is truly an understatement to say the least on how she and her organization feel toward the perpetrators.
“Congress has to do more than grieving for the lives of the nine farmers. We have to see to it that justice be served for the victims and their respective families who are now in deep anguish and rage,” said Sangcopan.
“The Philippine National Police is mandated to serve and protect our rights and safety. But with the mounting number of alleged atrocities committed by law enforcers against us Muslims, it has become a wrenching and glaring everyday reminder for us not to trust them. And this is not healthy for all as it breeds animosity that may lead to more unintended consequences,” she added.
Mangudadatu also stressed the need for an independent body to look into the incident. “If proven, that it will indeed be a troubling fact that the foremost institution mandated to protect the sanctity of life and the keepers of peace and security are the purveyors of violence and killings,” he said
“As legislators, let us also find ways to end the stigma where policemen are called ‘criminals in uniform.’ I believe that a good number of law enforcers are willing to join this cause and are willing to uplift and restore respect to their insignia,” said Mangudadatu.
Mangundadatu lost his wife and two sisters along with 55 others in the November 23, 2009 Ampatuan Massacre where out of the 197 suspects, 52 were policemen, 19 of which are found guilty while 33 were acquitted.
