MILITANT groups branded on Thursday, September 29, Bukidnon policemen as "cowards" and Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri "a liar" for failing to arrest Alde Butchoy Salusad, the paramilitary leader blamed for several killings of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the province.
Fr. Christopher Ablon, Karapatan-Northern Mindanao secretary-general, said it's alarming that police has yet to arrest Salusad, wanted since 2012.
"Ang pasabot ba ani nahadlok ang police sa kriminal? Kung mao man gani ang sitwasyon, naa gayuy diperensya sa komunidad, (Does this mean that police are scared of the criminals? If that's the case, there must be something wrong)" Ablon said.
Ablon said the police was given a deadline by the Provincial Government, from August 17 to September 17 to arrest Salusad.
Zubiri had also said he will replace Bukidnon's police chief if police failed to arrest Salusad.
Datu Jimboy Mandagit of Kasilo-lumad organization said they have grown tired of Zubiri's promises to the lumad community, particularly the Tigwahanon.
"Sobra ka bakakon, gikapoy nami na sige lang siya ug saad," Mandagit said.
Lawyer Czarina Musni, a core member of the Higala sa Lumad Network, said two warrants of arrest for murder are already out against Salusad. The first warrant of arrest was issued in 2012 when Salusad allegedly killed Dao barangay chair Jimmy Liguyon for being an outspoken critic against illegal mining.
The second warrant was released this month for the murder of one pregnant woman in a shooting incident during a wedding ceremony in Barangay Kawayan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, last July 30.
Salusad, the supposed leader of the New Indigenous Peoples' Army (Nipar), is also said to be behind illegal mining activities in parts of San Fernando, Bukidnon.
Meanwhile, results of the Interfaith Solidarity Mission showed that some 50 families are still camping outside the Bukidnon Provincial Capitol grounds, many of whom who are hungry and living in ill-ventilated tents.
Two children have already died of pneumonia earlier this year while several others are complaining of stomach pain and diarrhea.