Government supports Bishop's call to probe Lumad killings

MANILA (PNA) -- Malacañang shares the concern of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) over the killing of three Lumad leaders by alleged paramilitary forces in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.Speaking over Radyo ng Bayan, Sunday, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is willing to investigate the incident as urged by the CBCP and other groups. We note the statement of the CBCP on the killing of Lumads. According to Justice Secretary (Leila) de Lima, the DOJ (Department of Justice) supports the call for an inter-agency probe of the incident,” he said. Government continues to ensure the safety of all citizens and that peace and order is maintained,” the Palace official added.In calling for a probe on the matter, the CBCP in its statement said it is profoundly disturbed” by accounts that some authorities are quick to exonerate” the militia group suspected to be behind the killings.According to reports, Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel earlier called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to disband the paramilitary group Bagani Forces, which is allegedly responsible for the murders.During an Inquirer multimedia forum last week, President Benigno S. Aquino III stated that serving the people does not entail killing any of our citizens. There is no campaign to kill anybody in this country. There is a campaign to go after everybody who commits crimes regardless of who they are,” President Aquino said. I think we have an adequate track record to show the successes of people who have long been wanted that have already been apprehended and the process still continues,” he added. (PNA)CTB/SSC