Soldiers’ presence and bomber planes flying at midnight over the communities of Lianga town drove some 2,000 villagers packing before dawn today.
“Curfew hours were strictly imposed and the movements of the locals were closely monitored and controlled...They were not even allowed to work in their farms.”
With President Duterte’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire, Mindanao ‘bakwets’ hope soldiers will leave their communities and they can finally go home.
The GPH should respect previously signed agreements especially the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
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.
“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.”
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.
Forced evacuation continues to take toll on the Lumads, with the death of a child.
“No perpetrator has been arrested, while the 36th and 75th infantry battalion and Special Forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines continue their military operations in the mountain areas."
Faced with the reign of terror by paramilitary and military, Lumad communities were forced to leave their homes – again.
Paramilitary groups, suspected of collusion with the military, have killed five people in five days, and caused massive forced evacuation.
"These trumped-up charges against us are acts of desperation.”
“Rep. Nancy Catamco will endanger not only the Manobo evacuees in Davao, but also all indigenous peoples groups in the Philippines.”
“Refusal and resistance is an indictment of the state that boasts of respecting the rights of the indigenous peoples.”
"The Lumads have sought refuge in UCCP after fleeing their villages that have been overrun by the military. Now the police are driving them away with brute force.”
A community of readers and supporters that help us sustain our operations through microdonations for as low as $1.