Kin of Maguindanao beheading victims cry for justice

PARANG, Maguindanao—Relatives of two farmers beheaded by an organized crime group here demanded justice as they buried the victims  Friday.

“We only need justice for our slain relatives,” Emily, 34, sister of farmer Cesar Fermin who, along with Jaybob Bestas, were beheaded by armed men during heavy downpour in Barangay Gumagadong-Calawag, Parang, Maguindanao.

Supt. Ibrahim Jamiran, Parang police chief, said the suspects who belong to a gun-for-hire group in Barira, Maguindanao, have already sent information of their desire to peacefully surrender.

“Muslim religious elders have mediated for their surrender,” Jamiran told reporters. However, he said the police manhunt against the suspects will continue without let up.

The bodies of Fermin and Bestas were found in the working area of a coconut plantation in Barangay Gumagadong Calawag on April 28.

Their heads were recovered in neighboring Barira town a day later.

Jamiran said the beheading suspects were companions of three gunmen killed in a shootout with the Parang police three weeks ago.

“The murder of two farmers was the work of the gunmen because they could not get back at the lawmen. They even threatened the police of grenade attack on its station or checkpoint,” he said.

On April 18, police killed suspected guns-for-fire Abib Sarotsong, Acero Kibad and a certain Todto Pangilian, all residents of Barangay Liong, Barira, Maguindanao, after they resisted police inspection at a checkpoint.

Jamiran said the police “will not stop until all of them will be behind bars.” (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)