NPA kills tribal leader in Bukidnon

January 5, 2020

The military on Saturday said alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) killed a tribal leader in Bukidnon.

First Lieutenant Ken Cabbigat, Army’s 8th Infantry Division officer, said a certain Datu Sammy Diwangan, 45, Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR), was shot dead while his son, John, was able to escape after the members of communist Guerilla Front Malayag attacked Barangay Canangaan in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon around 9:15 am.

Quoting the residents, Cabbigat said while the two were busy doing their work in the said area, four NPA members carrying firearms stopped them and shot Sammy in different parts of his body, including his forehead, which resulted to his death.

The tribal leader’s son was able to immediately run away.

Cabiggat said Diwangan, a known leader in his community, was against the NPA infiltration and recruitment.

A former rebel who recently surrendered to the Army revealed about the NPA's plan of killing the said leader.

“When I was still the NPA commander of the Sentro De Grabidad Thunder of Guerilla front 6, it’s been our plan to neutralize Sammy because we cannot execute our mission in expanding our group in Barangay Canangaan because of him,” he said.

On the other hand, John was referred to the Local Social Welfare and Development of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon for debriefing after witnessing his father’s brutal death.

The commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion condemned the attack.

“We condemn this barbaric act of the NPAs against a helpless civilian who works for his family and community, this act is a clear manifestation of their evolution into a terrorist organization,” Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana said. Ella Dionisio/DMS