The dispute over Hacienda Almeda dates back to the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in 1988. The 1,546-hectare property, spanning the municipalities of Mamburao and Abra de Ilog, was initially placed under agrarian reform coverage due to its agricultural use.
Category: Indigenous Peoples Rights
‘No rightful claim’ | Indigenous groups call to disqualify Epanaw, former NCIP chair in 2025 elections
“The nominees of Epanaw have no rightful claim to represent Indigenous Peoples (IP). Their reckless red-tagging has endangered the lives of IP leaders, organizations, and communities,” said Beverly Longid, national convener of KATRIBU.
The crucial role of the church in the Lumad struggle
“We live in a society where those who would do good are those who would be put to jail while the real terrorists and killers are free and in government positions.”
Drowned lands, broken traditions: The Lower Sesan 2 Dam’s toll on indigenous communities in Kbal Romeas, Cambodia
More than a decade ago, Srang Lanh alongside members of the Bunong indigenous communities in Kbal Romeas raised multiple concerns on the implementation of the Lower Sesan 2 Hydropower Project – a 400-megawatt dam project funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through its financial intermediary. The Lower Sesan 2 dam is situated below the confluence of the Sesan and Srepok rivers and 25 kilometers from the Mekong River.
Badjao community in Lucena struggles against discrimination, pins hope on education
Badjao, also known as “sea gypsies,” are indigenous people from the islands of Mindanao. They are known to have a rich maritime heritage. Historically, they have traversed the water of Sulu and lived nomadically. However, the long-running armed conflict in Mindanao has displaced them, forcing them to migrate to urban areas like Lucena City.
‘Clear miscarriage of justice’ | Court convicts activists, rights workers over child-trafficking case
The case stemmed from a solidarity mission that was aimed to bring food and other essentials to Lumad students of the Salugpongan Ta’Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center Inc. (STTICLC) and the Community Technical College of Southeastern Mindanao (CTCSM) that are based in the hinterlands of Talaingod.
Groups seek justice for IP student killed in a military operation
“While no words can truly console Kuni’s family, we stand in unwavering solidarity with them and all Lumad people fighting for their children’s right to education amidst escalating violence, militarization, and impunity in their ancestral lands,” said SOS Network, demanding justice for Kuni, his family, and all victims of Lumad killings.
Aglipayan Church stands with the indigenous peoples
“It is crucial to recognize the challenges faced by indigenous peoples. These include land rights issues, displacements from their ancestral domains due to mining activities, and militarization leading to armed conflicts and human rights violations,” the project rationale said.
4 Cordillera rights defenders challenge ‘terrorist’ designation in court
“We knew from the start that this law would only be weaponized in silencing dissent. They try to make us falter; we, indigenous peoples and human rights defenders. But we will never deter.”
Remembering the Filipino indigenous peoples heroes
“As we commemorate Indigenous Peoples Heroes Day, let’s strengthen international solidarity with other Indigenous Peoples globally, acknowledging shared roots of our problems. We must carry forward the legacy of those who sacrificed for it. With so many lives given to the cause, we must intensify our calls for genuine liberation.”
Rights group raise alarm possible promotion of police officer behind Tumandok massacre
A human rights group assailed the possible promotion of a ranking police officer that spearheaded an operation that led to the killing of nine indigenous peoples in Panay back in 2020.