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“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.
“We in UP hold Bai and all Lumad leaders in very high esteem – for her incredible strength and leadership, for standing for her advocacy and for defending her tribe. She’s very strong and vocal. There is no way we could silence Bai.”
“Despite the government's unpreparedness for a safe return to school in this pandemic, the government continues to undermine the state of education by intensifying militarization in indigenous communities and schools."
As President Rodrigo Duterte feasted during his “humble” birthday celebration yesterday, a detained Lumad student was deprived of celebrating her 18th birthday with family and supporters in a social welfare facility in Cebu City.
Detained Grade 10 student Esmelito Oribawan and Datu Benito Bay-ao have fallen ill in jail.
“This is unacceptable. How can government social workers refuse to heed the orders of the court? Beyond the legal imperative, how can government social workers not empathize with the sufferings of the child and the father whose reunion has been blocked again and again?”
PCol. Robert Limbawan said volunteer teacher Roshelle Porcadilla has been brought to the Police Regional Office-7 under the orders of Philippine National Police chief Debold Sinas.
The SOS Network denounced what it called "illegal transport of minors" by authorities.
“We will defend UP, our sanctuary, as much as it has defended us.” - Lumad student
Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat fears that with the looming passage of the anti-terror bill, more incidents of harassment and abductions might take place.
“The food and other resources [are] a challenge in this time of enhanced community quarantine since we couldn’t leave the premises, and so do other individuals or groups who have been visiting us.”
"We should all unite to call for lifting of martial law.”
Members of the 56th IBPA blocked the entry of school and food supplies for the said boarding school despite coordination with the local government unit.
"The Duterte government is horribly violating national and international laws of protecting civilians, especially children and schools, from military attacks.”
Military operations in Lumad communities have heightened since the start of preparation for the opening of classes, according to SOS Network.
Protesters hound Education secretary Leonor Briones as she refuses to acknowledge the Lumad schools issues.
Stories of courage and perseverance of Lumad students and teachers poured out at the gathering.
Obello Bay-ao's father Benjo called on President Rodrigo Duterte to punish those involved with the extrajudicial killings, disband paramilitary groups, lift the martial law in Mindanao and resume peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
Inspired by Fr. Fausto Tentorio, Miguel responded to the call of datus from Talaingod, Davao del Norte for volunteer teachers in 2013.
“It’s government that is teaching us to become rebels."
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