On Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day, the indigenous peoples protesters took an early start with a sunrise ritual at 6 a.m., performed by 15 Lumad tribal leaders at Plaza Miranda. Called a “panubadtubad” in Manobo or “panawagtawag” in Talaandig, the ritual entailed the sacrifice of a red, native chicken, symbolizing “the ill response of…
They were called “vandals” and were snubbed by President Aquino, yet the Manilakbayan ng Mindanao are heading home with “victories” in their campaign against militarization and plunder of resources in their land.
“Today, we declare the verdict on the US-Aquino regime’s crimes against the Filipino people, its violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. For these crimes, we say, the US-Aquino regime is guilty.” — Cristina Palabay, secretary general of Karapatan
By RAYMUND B. VILLANUEVA