Solons seek probe on police involvement in killing of 9 farmers
Outraged Muslim members of the House of Representatives have demanded an investigation on the alleged police involvement in the killing of nine Muslim farmers last Aug. 29 in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

Deputy Speaker Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman; Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan; Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangundadatu; Lanao del Sur Rep. Ansaruddin Abdul Malik Adiong; Lanao del Sur Rep. Yasser Alonto Balindong; Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison; and Tawi-Tawi Rep. Rashidin Matba have filed House Resolution (HR) No. 1183 which directs the Committees on Public Order and Safety and on Muslim Affairs to look into what they described as a "massacre."
“May persistent reports and may testimonial evidence umano na ang may sala sa insidenteng ito ay mga pulis mismo. Kung totoo ito, dapat mapanagot ang mga salarin (There are persistent reports as well as testimonial evidence that the police was allegedly behind this. If that is true, then the perpetrators must be held accountable)," said Hataman, referring to the dying testimony of victim Nasher Guiaman, who, according to local news reports, was able to tell the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Region 12 investigators that police officers allegedly stopped their group and shot them. Guiaman was taken to the hospital where he died.
The victims reportedly included two that were just under the age of 18.
“Congress has to do more than grieving for the lives of the nine farmers. We have to see to it that justice be served for the victims and their respective families who are now in deep anguish and rage,” said Sangcopan.
“The Philippine National Police (PNP) is mandated to serve and protect our rights and safety. But with the mounting number of alleged atrocities committed by law enforcers against us Muslims, it has become a wrenching and glaring everyday reminder for us not to trust them. And this is not healthy for all as it breeds animosity that may lead to more unintended consequences,” she added.
According to news reports, the gunmen used high-powered firearms on the farmers, instantly killing eight of them.
“We are truly heartbroken and outraged with the death of the farmers who were reportedly ordered to alight from their motorcycles while traversing the road along Aringay Road proximate to the University of Southern Mindanao campus,” said Mangudadatu.