Press Release
April 27, 2007
 
Karapatan condemns military strafing of civilians in New Bataan; 2 killed, 3 survive civilians in 28 th IB shooting
 
DAVAO CITY ˇVKarapatan-Southern Mindanao Region condemn today the 28th Infantry Batallion under 1001st Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for sowing terror again in a recent shooting of 5 civilians, members of United Farmers of Pagsalaan-Andap Farmers Association-KMP in Purok 3a and Purok 2, Poblacion,  New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province last April 25, 2007    
 
Kelly M. Delgado, secretary general of Karapatan Southern Mindanao, said that the first incident of shooting happened in Purok 3a causing injured of Monith Bugahod 21 years old in his foot and the second incident in Purok 2 which claimed the lives of Auling Bugahod, 50 years old and Elias Mabundas, 25 years and injured Warlito Villafuerte Sr., 39 years old, Monith Bugahod and Beato Suralta 28 years old.
 
Last April 25, 2007 at around 6:00 in the evening, Warlito Villafuerte Jr. 17 years old and Monith Bugahod purchased foods on the Wednesday-scheduled market day in Poblacion, New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province. Immediately after, the two left the market and decided to go home using their own red TMX motorcycle. They are residents of Pagsilaan, Andap, New Bataan Compostela Valley Province.
 
While on their way home, a surprise checkpoint was conducted by elements of the 28 th Infantry Battalion in Purok-3A Poblacion, New Bataan. They heard somebody was shouting and mandating them to stop. However, the two were not able to stop immediately because they haven't seen any signs and markings that a checkpoint was being conducted. Outrightly, Karapatan said, elements of the 28th IB PA strafed the two - Gaga Bugahod was hit in his foot yet they were able to proceed to their house.
 
Upon arrival, the mother of Gaga, Mrs. Auling Bugahod, saw the wounded foot on her son. Hence, she decided to bring Monith to the Monkayo Provincial Hospital in Compostela Valley Province for medication and neighbors Elias Mabundas, Warlito Villafuerte Sr. and Beato Suralta accompanied them to the hospital. They rode the same motorcycle.
 
On their way to the hospital at around 8:30 in the evening of the same day, another surprise checkpoint was conducted by the elements of the 28 th IB PA along Purok-2 crossing Sarmiento in Poblacion New Bataan. The road was dim and there were no signs and markings. Yet, the military elements surfaced again and reprimanded them to stop.  When they passed over the location of the military and had a hard time to stop, the elements of the 28th IB PA immediately strafed the five persons on board.
 
Auling Bugahod and Elias Mabundas died on the spot, while Warlito Villafuerte Sr., Monith Bugahod and Beato Suralta were injured. Residents of the area immediately rushed to the place of incident to observe and check the incident. However, the military elements cordoned the area and the residents were not allowed to see the victims.
 
"It's clear that this incident illustrated the inhuman, irresponsible and fascist display of power by the military elements in New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province," Delgado said.
 
"The military is now on a killing spree, shooting everyone in New Bataan even on mere suspicion that they are members of the New People's Army (NPA)," Delgado added.
  
"Last March 31 a nine years old girl Grecil was killed by the military, Auling and Elias followedˇKwhose next civilians who will fall in the hands of the fascist military elements? Clearly, the main purpose of the military presence in the area is to spread terror among the civilians.  We strongly call the attention of Local Government Units in New Bataan to take actions on the killings and pull-out the 28th IB PA in their area. Likewise again,  we strongly call the attention of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to urgently conduct investigation and give concrete actions to the killings of , Auling Bugahod and Elias Mabundas and other victims of military atrocitiesˇK justice must be served," Delgado concluded.
 
 For Reference: Kelly M. Delgado, Secretary- General  
Contact number: 0920-350-0069