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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.
“This is an effort and initiative of the local farmers’ organization who wished to have a secondary school near them to cater farmers and indigenous peoples.”
BULATLAT SPECIAL REPORT:
Like their students, the young teachers of Alcadev are just as afraid and traumatized. But the tragedy was the crucible that strengthened their resolve to continue to serve and teach the Lumad youth.
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?”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.
“We have no discord, they are our brothers...but when the military armed them, they no longer recognize us as kin. And it hurts, because Lumads are being killed by other Lumads.”
“We are demanding an investigation without the presence of the military because any investigation with their presence is useless.”
“Their murder is the murder of the peoples’ soul.”
Among some 3,000 Lumads seeking refuge at the Surigao del Sur Sports Center, there are two mothers of nearly the same age named Maribel Enriquez. Both seek justice for the plight they are going through because of the military.
“These killings are under the context of the counterinsurgency program which is running short on a deadline.”
“This mining conference’s top sponsors are also the leading sponsors of paramilitary groups that have sown terror across the mine-affected communities especially in Mindanao."
“The apprehension of the two soldiers and one Magahat/Bagani member last September 13 only shows and proves they are connected.”
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