IFUGAO Representative Teddy Baguilat is calling for an investigation into the killing of environmental activist Ricardo Mayumi and the worsening human rights situation among indigenous peoples in the country.
On the evening of March 2, Mayumi was shot and killed in Ambabag, Kiangan town by two unidentified assailants.
"Prior to his death, Mayumi served as a leader in the Ifugao peasant movement and has proactively advocated to protect the rights of fellow indigenous people. The death of Mayumi adds to the growing list of indigenous peoples who have been killed, incarcerated and vilified around the country,” Baguilat said.
In a resolution, Baguilat called on the House committee on indigenous peoples to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation into Mayumi’s killing.
A cousin and neighbor of the victim said she heard her dog barking before four gunshots rang out.
Minutes later, her brother in-law Dennis Osmogan who also lives nearby came by her house and told her that cousin Ricardo was shot.
Further investigation revealed that one of the suspects was seen wearing a black jacket with bonnet while the other was wearing a brown jacket with helmet.
Police conducted a hot pursuit operation against the suspects, who had fled.
Scene of crime operatives recovered three empty shells of cal. 45 pistol. The victim sustained one gunshot wound on his left cheek, one to the left chest, two on the left arm and two hit the left ribs.
The case is still under investigation.
Various IP organizations noted that under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, at least two indigenous people have been killed every month.
“The Committee on Indigenous Peoples should be at the forefront of determining the proper implementation of laws that protect indigenous peoples’ rights,” added Baguilat.