Philippine Army investigates extortion racket targeting indigenous communities

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Military authorities in the Philippines are investigating allegations of organized extortion targeting vulnerable indigenous populations along the border between South Cotabato and Davao del Sur provinces. Major Ruben Gadut, spokesperson for the Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID), confirmed Friday that the division has initiated a formal probe into reports of armed individuals engaging in extortion activities in the area. According to Gadut, troops from the 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) have been deployed to investigate the matter and determine the scope of the alleged criminal operations. The investigation comes amid growing concerns about security in remote communities along the Mindanao border region, where indigenous peoples have reported increasing pressure from armed groups demanding payments. The 10ID has not yet disclosed specific details about the number of communities affected or the extent of the alleged extortion, but officials indicated that the investigation is ongoing and additional information would be released as it becomes available.