President Rodrigo Duterte subjected Mindanao, the richest island in the Philippines, under Martial Law in May 2017 on account of the so-called terrorist siege of Marawi. One of the most affected groups in this island are the autonomously built and fully functional Lumad Schools. These schools have been the foci of community empowerment among the…
“The whole country is kept ignorant of our plight.”
In returning for another Lakbayan and camping out in the capital, the Lumad hope to thresh out with the DSWD a workable and acceptable rehabilitation program that would allow them to get back on their feet.
“Is this how the 402nd Brigade ‘manages conflict’ in Surigao Sur?”
“We could not go home because two Army battalions have been deployed in our communities and the suspects are joining the military operations.”
Terror operations by soldiers and paramilitary men set off a new wave of evacuation of peasant and Lumad communities in Surigao del Sur province.
“If she wants to help, she should listen to us, because we experienced these abuses.”
Three evacuees have died as Lumad communities blame the evacuation to relentless military operations “meant to pave the way for mining” in San Luis town, Agusan del Sur.
Armed men have killed two Lumads, ransacked a store, started fires, and knocked on houses, in the middle of military operations.
“The military has been committing grave abuses against civilians through its peace and development operations under the Aquino government’s counter-insurgency operational plan Bayanihan.” – Pastor Sadrach Sabella, Karapatan-Socsksargends coordinator
by INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA — The Kahugpungan sa mga Lumadnong Organisasyon-Caraga (Kasalo-Caraga) has sounded the alarm over the ongoing militarization in Zapanta Valley, Bray. Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte and Ferlda, Alegria, Surigao del Norte. The group said countless human rights violations are being perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines…