Army mulls disbanding Mindanao militia

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Monday its support for Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel’s call to disband an alleged para-military group allegedly responsible in the killing of indigenous people in the province last week.

Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), also said there is an ongoing internal investigation on the allegations that some commanders are giving directions to Bagani forces, a paramilitary group said to be composed of lumads or indigenous people.