THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) dismissed the accusation of the militant group that they have "forcibly taken custody" of the Lumad (indigenous people) students who are conducting Kampuhan at Barangay Panacan, Davao City.

DCPO city director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum vehemently denied the allegations as they are still in the process of coordinating with other agencies.

"That is not true because we are still waiting for DSWD's request for DCPO's support. Obviously someone is being paranoid," Tagum said.

He added that if their manpower support will be requested by the social department, they will immediately abide by it to rescue the students.

"But once we receive a request from the lead agency to rescue these exploited minors, then expect that we will do our duty," he said.

On June 30, around 200 students and teachers from Salugpongan and Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (Misfi) Academy installed their makeshift camp for Kampuhan in front of the Department of Public Works and Highway where the Presidential Guest House is located.

They are appealing to the government to stop the intensified militarization and harassments perpetrated by soldiers in the hinterland and Lumad communities.