ANAKPAWIS Party-list Representative Ariel Casilao condemned the killing of an Anakpawis local leader in Davao Del Sur last Saturday, November 25.

Casilao said the killing of Apolonio Maranan, Anakpawis local coordinator, on Mandug Road, Buhangin, Davao del Sur, was perpetrated by the 16th Infantry Battalion of the military.

Reports stated that Maranan was shot to death by motorcycle-riding gunmen outside his house in DDF Village in Mandug in the evening of November 25.

"We condemned the brutal killing of Ka Apolonio, we extend our condolences to the bereaved family of one of our leaders; we demand justice as well as other victims of EJK (extrajudicial killing) under the Duterte regime," Casilao said in a statement.

Anakpawis claimed that Maranan is the 54th activist who fell victim to EJK in the Davao region.

“We hold Duterte primarily responsible for the continuing killings of activists in the country, as he already exposed himself as an 'amboy' and fascist, siding with the militarists, instead of fulfilling the clamor of poor sectors for fundamental reforms in the country,” Casilao said.

Authorities are now looking into possible motives behind Maranan's death. (SunStar Philippines)