I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of nine (9) individuals who were killed on August 29, 2020 in Kabacan, North Cotabato.
The victims: Kors Salilangan, Sandigan Zailon, Benladin Dimanalao, Romeo Balatamay, Katindig Kagayawon, and Fahad Mandigan, residents of Kabacan town; Budsal Lipusan of Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao; and, Musaid Jaiden of Midsayap town in Cotabato province. Another was critically injured and brought to the hospital. However, he died, too. The victims are Bangsamoro farmers. The suspects are unidentified assailants who ambushed and gunned down the farmers in broad daylight. Such merciless act has no place in any society.
I echo the official statement of the Bangsamoro regional government to bring the perpetrators to justice. I also appeal to all who can help find the assailants to cooperate with the provincial government of North Cotabato and the municipal government of Kabacan. We are pursuing justice for the families of the victims and, at the same time, asserting our claim to ‘enduring peace on the basis of justice’ for the whole region.
Crimes against the Bangsamoros may bring back historical hurts in us but this will not dampen our resolve and commitment to push for lasting peace in the Bangsamoro and Mindanao as a whole.
May peace and justice prevail.
