I. BACKGROUND
In September 2015, the Executive Director of ALCADEV, Emerito Samarca and two lumad leaders were killed by a paramilitary attack in Sitio Hanayan in Barangay Diatogon. The Lumad is a local term for indigenous peoples (IP) in Southern Philippines.
Due to the violence and fear for their safety, massive numbers of IPs left their homes and fled to the municipalities of San Miguel, Tago, Marihatag, San Agustin and Lianga. As of 22 October, 806 families or 4,000 persons are staying in three displacement sites. The perpetrators are reported to belong to Magahat-Bagani, an armed group in Southern Philippines.
The Philippines Department of Justice has already called for an investigation on the situation. UNHCR also called attention to the human rights violations reportedly perpetrated against the Lumad.
In close coordination with the local government units and the DSWD, IOM Cotabato conducted an assessment mission on 22 October in all three displacement sites. Some 4,000 IDPs remain displaced.
With the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), IOM highlights here the most pressing needs and concerns of the displaced IPs.