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.
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The “Balit mission” confirms cases of rights abuses by soldiers in Lumad communities, who were forced to evacuate.
Mindanaoans bring their protest, as well as their culture and tradition, to Mendiola.
In Southern Mindanao region alone, the Children’s Rehabilitation Center documented at least 41 instances of attacks on both DepEd schools and Lumad community learning centers since 2011.
“This is a clear indication of Oplan Bayanihan’s dirty tactics in using Lumads as baits and pawns in military operation.” – Bai Norma Capuyan, vice chair of Kusog sa Katawhang Lumad sa Mindanao (Kalumaran)
Non-formal schools in far-flung villages are still under attack by military operations.
“The use of schools for military purposes puts children at risk of attack and hampers children’s right to education.” – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
RELATED STORY | ‘Military presence in schools results in rights violations’
Last year, soldiers from the 25th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army occupied the Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. (STTICLCI) in Purok 4-B, Mangayon village, Compostela Valley. The soldiers reportedly arrested four students, interrogated, and used them as guides in military operations.
They allowed the people, even kids, to hold their guns and pose for the cameras. Placed in front of the tent that has camouflaged sacks on top of one another is a machine gun. Two mortar launchers- short and long range, were also in display.
The Tinoc folk called for the pull-out of the Alpha Company of the 86th Infantry (Highland) Battalion of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Tinoc. They also called for the prosecution and punishment of erring soldiers and particularly mentioned Capt. Danilo Lalin who allegedly raped a minor in their headquarters in Tinoc.