An initial report from local police said the incident happened at 12:20 p.m. in Sitio Kiantig, Baragay San Jose in the municipality of Quezon.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 19) — At least five people were hurt in a shooting that marred presidential candidate Leody De Guzman’s gathering with the Manobo-Pulangiyon tribe in Bukidnon, the labor leader said Tuesday.
Among those injured was the organizer of farmers in Mindanao, Nanie Abela. De Guzman said Abela was right beside him when during the incident.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the PLM said the indigenous group is facing land-grabbing issues on their ancestral land, which they claim was occupied by a local official.
“Alam nating mayayaman at makapangyarihan ang ating binabangga sa labang ito,” De Guzman said in a tweet. “Ngunit ibang klase pa rin kapag talagang direkta tayong dinahas. Walang halaga sa kanila ang buhay nating mga maliliit.”
[We know we’re fighting against the rich and powerful. But it’s really different when we are directly attacked. The lives of the helpless do not matter to them.]
The multiple gunshots – which lasted 15 minutes according to De Guzman – were heard in a Facebook live video of Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) senatorial bet David D’Angelo, who was with the party’s standard bearer, and fellow senatorial hopeful Roy Cabonegro.
The Palace has condemned the shooting incident, acting Presidential Spokesman Martin Andanar said in a statement.
De Guzman thanked those who expressed concern and said he and his two senatoriables are safe.
Comelec Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan, in a statement, also condemned the violence.
The labor leader then called for peace in Mindanao and to respect the rights of indegenous people (IPs) and Bangsa Moro.
While the poll body is in the process of investigation, it is offering additional security for presidential and vice presidential candidates upon their request.
Authorities first received a call from a concerned citizen regarding an alleged shooting in the area, which they immediately verified. An investigation showed a group of tribal petitioners allegedly armed with bolos forcibly entered the premises of Kiantig Pineapple Company. Security guards of the plantation responded with warning shots.
Cabonegro, during their briefing, turned emotional as he blasted the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) for failing to provide security to IPs despite holding a dialogue with them.
Malacanang also urged local authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute those behind the act, he added.
Alam nating mayayaman at makapangyarihan ang ating binabangga sa labang ito. Ngunit ibang klase pa rin kapag talagang direkta tayong dinahas. Walang halaga sa kanila ang buhay nating mga maliliit.
— Ka Leody de Guzman (@LeodyManggagawa) April 19, 2022
Salamat sa mga nag-alala. Ako po at sila kasamang Roy Cabonegro at David D'angelo ay ligtas.
Ang tinamaan ay ang nasa tabi ko, si Nanie Abela, na organizer ng mga magsasaka sa Mindanao. Casualty rin ang isang lider ng tribong Manobo-Pulangiyon.
— Ka Leody de Guzman (@LeodyManggagawa) April 19, 2022
Kapayapaan sa Mindanao! Igalang ang karapatan ng mga indigenous people at Bangsa Moro.
— Ka Leody de Guzman (@LeodyManggagawa) April 19, 2022
One of the petitioners – a 42-year-old female – was wounded and brought to the Quezon Medical Infirmary for treatment.
Local police also confirmed that De Guzman and his senatorial bets were present during the incident, but said they never coordinated with barangay officials.
