MANILA — Since March 29 up to now, 36 Lumad families (100-plus individuals) of the Higaonon community from Sitio Camansi, Lagonglong in Misamis Oriental have fled their homes complaining of heavy militarization. Although they said they wanted to be in their communities, they fear for their lives. They cannot return to their homes yet because as of this writing, based on the statement of soldier representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 58th Infantry Battalion, they are not about to pull out from the communities of the Lumad because they’re still conducting a “clearing operation.”
The Lumad evacuees are now camping out at the Provincial Capitol Grounds of Cagayan de Oro. They have been there for three days now, and their supporters from youth organizations in Mindanao are appealing to their fellow youth elsewhere for support.
Drop your donations at the CdO Provincial Capitol Ground. They are in need of food, water, blanket, medicines. Or contact Kristine Cabardo 09067365036.
