Daniol Lasib a Barangay councillor and member of the B’laan tribe in Matanao, Davao Del Sur was shot dead on May 26 2017. Lasib, 58, was on his way to visit his child in Dalapo medical clinic with his friend Lindo Samling.

The pair were about to cross the bridge in Kasagaran, Colonsabac, Matanao, when they were attacked by five men on motorcycles. Daniol was shot eleven times and died immediately while Lindo was wounded and rushed to a nearby hospital. Witnesses identified the perpetrators as members of the 73rd Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army.

Lasib was a leader in his community and a member of Akma Akasatu Matanao (Unity of Matanao). In this capacity he defended indigenous land rights and advocated for stronger protections. Following the declaration of martial law on the island of Mindanao the military has increased offensives against indigenous communities.

Pya Macliing Malayao, Secretary General of the Indigenous Rights group Katribu reported that military operations in the area have lead to the evacuation of 300 Blaan families. In a statement he said “Martial law is now clearly giving the military, and at least 34 paramilitary groups under AFP in Mindanao, a stronger license to pillage Lumad and Moro communities, abduct and murder known activists and ordinary citizens, and terrorize communities.”