The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in the southern Caraga region vowed yesterday to investigate the reported killing of an indigenous tribal leader in Agusan del Sur province.

The Rural Missionaries of the Philippines reported earlier in July that members of the Higaonon tribe had fled their homes after the killing of their leader, Arpe Belayong, and his son-in-law, Sulte San-ogan by a paramilitary group called “Salawakan” on June 30.

They were allegedly killed because of their opposition to mining activities in the area.

Domingo Gomes, the commission’s regional director, said his office has only just been made aware of the alleged killing.

“Our provincial office in Agusan del Sur… the police and the military have had no reports on this up until now,” Gomes said.

He also said he was not aware of reports on Higaonon tribe members fleeing their homes.

He confirmed his office will conduct an investigation into the matter.

The missionaries earlier this week appealed for aid for the displaced Higaonon tribal people.

The missionaries’ Rural Poor Women’s Apostolate called for urgent donations of food, medicine and building material for new homes.