Wanted lumad killing suspect threatens reporters covering commie anniversary

By Ben Serrano,
Correspondent

BUTUAN CITY — Reporters based in Caraga Region, particularly in this city, expressed apprehensions in covering the celebrations of the 47th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26 after a leader of anti-NPA lumad armed group Magahat issued a death threats to local officials and reporters in the region.

The one-minute long video posted on the Facebook wall of one Arthur Jimenez Tariman supposedly shows Magahat leader Bobby Tejero threatening to kill in an ambush all media personnel and politicians who would attend the anniversary of the CPP.

“Their mere presence in the area is a manifestation of their declaration of support to the CNN organization and a betrayal to the people. We will not hesitate nor show mercy,” Tejero said in a text message.

It can be recalled that Tejero, Loloy Tejero, and Garit Layno are now wanted criminals and have P1.2 million  reward each for their arrest after the Regional Trial Court in Lianga, Surigao del Sur issued warrants of arrest orders in relation to the Sept. 1 killings of tribal leaders Dionel Campos, Datu Bello Sinzo and Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development (Alcadev) tribal school director Emerico Samarca.

Broadcasters Aurom Satorre and Steve Paican of DXBR Bombo Radyo Butuan, Sasi Abastas of DXBC Radio Mindanao Network and Mike Imbo of Super Banat newspaper who attended many times in the past many CPP founding anniversary celebrations claimed they may not participate this time due to the death threats issued by Tejero. Also based here in Butuan City. local radio station DXJM news director Gary Cruz said he is not recommending sending any reporters to cover the local CPP anniversary celebrations.

In an interview with broadcaster Geoffrey Cloribel of local radio station DXBC of the radio Mindanao Network who have also covered the local CPP anniversary celebrations many times before claimed he was also already invited to cover but afraid of his safety, he is now thinking twice to accept the invitation or not. He admitted he already received invitations for coverage but reportedly he turned it down because of fear of security of radio reporters due to Tejero death threats.