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A 17-year-old told Human Rights Watch that Philippine soldiers beat him up to force him to admit he was a rebel fighter. He said he eventually lied and said he was with the MNLF so that the beatings would stop.
“It is the government’s responsibility to serve the people. We, as citizens, have the right and capacity to search for the truth regarding how our government is being run and how our taxes are being used. “ – Archbishop of Nueva Segovia Ernesto Salgado
The National Ulama Conference of the Philippines in the Zambasulta Region said his group and civil society organizations offered viable options to break the standoff sooner between the MNLF followers of Misuari, and state security forces in Zambo.
“The Aquino government fails to grasp the historical roots of the Bangsamoro struggle.” – Dean Julkipli M. Wadi, Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines
“Five long years passed, to those who have him, please, have a heart and let him come back home to us. If you killed him, like what our late father said, give us back his bones so that we can give him a proper burial.” -- Balao siblings
Zambo evacuees recount the "politeness" of MNLF members, and the "oddness" of the state military burning houses of civilians as a strategy.
"When they entered (Zambo), there were naval patrols already; and there was an exchange of gunfire, we contained them in the four barangays we mentioned.” - Pres. Noynoy Aquino
Militarization here is linked with the entry of New Britain Palm Oil Ltd, which is eyeing KASAKA’s ancestral domain
The peace policy of President Aquino should not be divisive and exclusive. It should not leave out a legitimate group just to appease another group. This is no way of talking peace in Mindanao.” - Bayan Muna Representative Zarate
Parents and teachers said the pupils were shocked and traumatized as they witnessed the bombings, strafing, and ground operations.
Typhoon Pablo survivors here are opposing the entry of a mining firm owned by the uncle of Pres. Benigno Aquino,III.
BAYAN Socsksargen spokesperson Ryan Lariba slammed SMI which was “downsizing other components of its operation, but not the military component.”
'We believe that they are really after our wealth, not just because of the presence of NPA in our communities.'
'When the storm stopped, you feel like breaking down seeing your crops uprooted.'
"They wanted the capitalists to come in to solve poverty, but experiences in other mining areas showed that Lumads were displaced instead when the capitalists took over."
Read 2nd part: Surviving Pablo, the Manobos’ story
Read 3rd and last part: Beyond military abuses: wresting control from Agusanon Manobos
"I told them: 'Don’t put your drones there because that thing blows up, and Davao will also blow up if they are in there.” -- City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte
“I was not the one who made you win but your collective action. Without it, it would be difficult to win the case.” -- Atty. Federico Bunao to workers
“It is not only an action against the destructive and exploitative black sand mining operation, but also a blow against individuals and officials who welcomed, imposed and supported the said mining ventures through sheer political force, threats, maneuverings and deceptions.” – Defend Ilocos
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