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Bulatlat.com compiles its articles on Lumad paramilitary groups in Mindanao, which show a worsening trend from the Arroyo regime to the current Aquino administration.
“The recent slapping of trumped-up charges of kidnapping and homicide against us 69 individuals bares the despotic and authoritarian nature of this regime.”
“I do not understand why the military is attacking our schools. They do not know its impact on our community.”
The GPH should respect previously signed agreements especially the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
Even as the grief and rage over the spate of killings in Surigao del Sur has yet to wane, another Lumad activist was slain in the neighboring province of Agusan del Sur.
“All we want is for our children to know how to read, write and have a better life ahead of them. The Lumad took a stand to protect the environment and give our children education but they don’t want us to do that. The government and the capitalists want us to remain uneducated, primitive and weak.”
The mothers of the two missing UP students suspect “The Butcher” is seeking acquittal through a senate seat.
In spite of military denials of links with paramilitary groups, Army soldiers and the paramilitary group Alamara continue to hold sway in southern Mindanao.
“Is the CHR serious with its intention to get to the roots of the problems of the Lumad evacuees?”
“They think that because they threaten us, we would be silenced.”
“The commissioners asked us more on the whereabouts of the New People’s Army, if they are also staying in our communities.”
“Paramilitaries in Mindanao have been terrorizing tribal people, while the military, at best, does nothing.”
“It would have been hard not to notice this forced confinement. There were no armed guards to restrict their movement.”
“There is no truth that I was released because my case went through a democratic process. If so, there should have never been a case against me. I should not have been imprisoned. And my daughter would not have died.”
“Pope Francis, hear our misery and prolonged sufferings. Help us protect the indigenous schools, communities and people in Mindanao."
“Military occupation of civilian institutions and killing of civilians...are unacceptable, deplorable and contrary to international human rights and international humanitarian standards.”
All throughout the event, silence would fall on the entire room when a performer delivers a poignant song, dance or poem.
On the 43rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law, some netizens share their experiences.
“We believe that no real freedom and peace will prosper in the Philippines if our state forces remain to be the number one human rights violator.”
BULATLAT SPECIAL REPORT:
As “force multipliers” for the Philippine Army, paramilitary groups were also multipliers of its human rights abuses in the past four decades.
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