“A resolute action is needed now to protect the Lumád way of life and to give the future generation the opportunity to interact with and learn from our indigenous tribes.”
By BULATLAT
MANILA – As the protest caravan dubbed “Manilakbayan ng Mindanao” heads to Metro Manila with their calls to #StopLumadKillings, two cities are set to welcome them with open arms.
The city councils of Marikina and Caloocan recently passed resolutions expressing that they “stand with the Lumad in calling for an end to violence in their schools and communities, the plunder of our natural resources, and the destruction of our indigenous culture.”
“A resolute action is needed now to protect the Lumád way of life and to give the future generation the opportunity to interact with and learn from our indigenous tribes,” said the city councils.
The resolutions also called on Malacañang to stop paramilitary attacks against Lumad communities in Mindanao.
Mong Palatino, chairperson of the local Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan-Metro Manila), hailed the city councils’ “brave stand.”
“We hope this act of solidarity will inspire other local governments to show also their support for our Lumad brothers and sisters,” he said in a statement.
The Marikina city council approved Resolution 168, filed by Councilor Jojo Banzon on October 14, while the Caloocan city council passed Resolution 4834, on October 20, filed by Councilor Karina Teh.
Bayan-Metro Manila media officer Christian Yamzon said Kalumaran secretary general Dulphing Ogan and other Lumad met with Marikina city Mayor Del De Guzman and Caloocan city Mayor Oca Malapitan, when their respective city councils approved the resolution.
The resolutions by the two cities cited the attacks on Lumad schools, the presence of paramilitary groups meant to suppress Lumad resistance against the entry of mining companies, and the communities’ subsequent forced evacuation.
The city councils also noted the growing concern by government and experts on the Lumád killings, such as the senate investigation, and the statement of by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on the rights of indigenous peoples and on the situation of human rights defenders.
The city councils said “supporting the Lumád benefits the nation, especially the youth who become enriched by the spread of the unique Lumád culture and indigenous knowledge.” 
