THE 37 lumad families who left their homes in Sitio Mincamansi, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental due to alleged heavy militarization are asking for help to buy essential items while they are staying in the Provincial Capitol grounds in Cagayan de Oro City.
Kristine Cabardo, League of Filipino Students-Northern Mindanao chairperson, said the more than 100 individuals need food, water, blankets, and medicines.
The evacuees have fled their homes last March 29, in fear of being caught in crossfire between the military and the New People’s Army.
But for First Lieutenant Janelle Diaz, civil military operations officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, the evacuees were organized by leftist groups and are really not affected with the crossfire, calling this a “taktikang-bakwit.”
The “taktikang-bakwit” is a strategy used by the rebels when they see presence of the government forces in the area, Diaz said.
She said the reports of encounters in Lagonglong are still being verified.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Jun Dy said these evacuees were already being attended to by the local government officials in Lagonglong town.
Dy said after a meeting with a barangay official, some evacuees stayed in the area while the others decided to go to Cagayan de Oro City.
Dy said whatever their reasons may be, the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental will supply the needs of the Capitol's “new visitors.”
"We will supply their needs, we are worried especially with their health since these people are used to the cold climate in their area," he said.
