Palparan battalion turns Davao communities into ghost towns

Palparan battalion turns Davao communities into ghost towns
 
“Some are very afraid to leave their houses and go to their farms. Residents sleep under their beds. Many community leaders were forced to leave because of the soldiers of the 28th and 67th IB who harass household members and subject them to interrogation.”

By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com

An independent solidarity and fact finding mission Duyog sa Panaw said farmers’ communities in Lupon, Davao Oriental have been turned into ghost towns because of the intense military operations. The 701st Brigade, notoriously known as the “Palparan Battalion,” because it was once headed by retired major general Jovito Palparan who is now the subject of a widespread manhunt for countless human rights violations.

Duyog sa Panaw conducted a fact-finding mission in Sitio Kalasagan and Logdeck from May 24 to 25. When the members of the mission arrived, military forces were highly visible in the communities. Currently deployed in the areas are the 28th IB under Lt Col Leopolde Imbang, Jr.; and the 67th IB under Lt. Col. Ruben Basio. The soldiers have established camp right in the heart of the communities, with some taking temporary residence in the barangay halls, while others right in the houses of some residents..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/05/30/palparan-battalion-turns-davao-communities-into-ghost-towns/