“Although the recent military operation in Bohol was supposedly
in pursuit of ten (10) elements of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the disposition
and safety of civilians should be given priority. Because of the incident, at
least 700 residents were forced to evacuate to the Dagohoy High School, two (2)
kilometers from their community. Some residents reported that they were not
informed to evacuate prior to the bombing, while two civilians killed by
soldiers were presented as ASG supporters, without any proof,” said Karapatan
Deputy Secretary General Jigs Clamor on the recent reported Bohol clash
involving government troops and the so-called ASG members.
(Residents of Brgy. Napo Inabanga, Bohol, crossing a river to get to the evacuation center. Some 700 residents evacuated to the Dagohoy High School, 2 kilometers away from their community)