Militant leader killed in Misamis Oriental

By Ronron
February 9, 2007

A militant leader was killed on Thursday night inside his residence in Misamis Oriental while having dinner with his family by unidentified armed men.

Police and militant officials identified the victim as Dalmacio Gandinao, 73, chairman of Bayan Muna – Misamis Oriental chapter and of the Misamis Oriental Farmers Association (MOFA), an affiliate of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP).

Gandinao, whom militants call as Tatay Daki, was having dinner with his wife and three grandchildren inside their hut at Purok 7, Barangay Tagongtong, Salay, Misamis Oriental when he was shot by one of the seven suspects at around 7pm.

Police said Gandinao sustained at least one fatal gunshot wound, although three empty shells of caliber 45 pistol were recovered from the crime scene.

The gunman joined the six other suspects in a van after the incident and escaped thereafter to unknown direction.

KMP spokesman Carl Ala accused the military of being behind the killing when he said: “It is obvious that Oplan Bantay Laya II is in full swing and the signing of the terrorism bill has further emboldened the death squads.”

Ala said Gandinao is the 58th leader of the KMP who was killed since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed power in 2001.

“The KMP denounced this political killing and demands justice for the victim,” said Ala.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG commander Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. said he is sending investigators to Salay for a speedy resolution of the case.

Task Force USIG was created last year to address the series of political killings in the country, which has reached to an alarming level that even international organizations and governments have criticized the Philippine government for failing to address the problem./DMS