Political killings, atrocities in Mindanao multiplied under martial law — lumad group

Katawhang Lumad sa Mindanao (Kalumaran) spokesperson Kerlan Fanagel. PHOTO BY MARGARET CLAIRE LAYUG

The number of political killings and atrocities in Mindanao have allegedly multiplied since President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law, according to a coalition of indigenous tribes.

At a forum marking a year since the declaration of martial law, Katawhang Lumad sa Mindanao (Kalumaran) spokesperson Kerlan Fanagel on Wednesday said 130 political killings have been recorded since President Duterte assumed office in 2016.

Citing a recently concluded fact-finding mission, Fanagel said at least 72 of the killings allegedly took place as Mindanao was placed under martial law.

With the findings, he said the number of alleged political killings saw as much as a 121 percent increase during the period.

The tribal leader also said that 37 of the 130 people killed were lumads.

Apart from alleged killings, Fanagel said the fact-finding mission also gathered data on numerous atrocities reported that he said were linked to the government, the alleged abuse committed by its forces, and its economic interests.

Fanagel clarified that a detailed report will be released on Thursday.

Fanagel disclosed the initial data as he was speaking before the "Never Again" martial law forum in Quezon City organized by the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP). — BAP, GMA News