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.”
The Lumad in Mindanao have been struggling for their land and right to self-determination.
Vast tracts of their ancestral domain have been eyed by big multinational corporations for various “development projects.” Military operations pave way for the entry of these projects, subjecting Lumad to all forms of attacks.
Bulatlat, as early as 2006, has been writing stories of Lumad’s miseries and resistance.
“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.”
According to their lawyer, there was no preliminary investigation conducted. The accused also did not receive a copy of the subpoena, affidavits of the complainants and other pertinent documents about the case.
“We will defend UP, our sanctuary, as much as it has defended us.” - Lumad student
“Jesus Christ, himself, taught us to provide protection to his flock, away from wolves and robbers who seek to come and destroy.“ By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO Bulatlat.com MANILA – As the democratic space continues to shrink in the Philippines, sanctuaries for the...
“If we don’t fight now, when we grow up, we won’t have anything to fight for because it’s already too late.”
“We were able to prove in court that Salugpongan Lumad Schools only taught the students Science, Math, English, and farming classes. And definitely, no classes or topics on taking arms against the government."
“Even after his administration has ended, Duterte's terror persists and has been passed down to the current, including, among other things, extensive trumped up charges, unlawful detentions, and other human rights violations."
SOS Network said authorities forcibly entered the residence of Lumad leader Edwin Oribawan Sr., threatening his daughter and two other children.
"A storyline sold by the state forces that was not so different from the murder of another minor in 2018 who was suspected to be a part of the NPA while he was heading out to school. And once again, the same narrative that is continually being proliferated now by the AFP when they brutally killed Chad and Jurain,"
“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.”
“It hurts to see our school built on our unity as a community being shut down. It hurts that they are not respecting our rights.”
In a statement, Karapatan said at least 22 families in sitios Panukmoan and Manluy-a of barangay Diatagon in Lianga left their village on June 23 because they “no longer feel safe staying in their communities due to the constant harassment and threats made by troops of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion.”
This is the second massacre in Diatagon, Surigao del Sur.
“They told me we wouldn’t be released unless we admit to being rebels.” -- Lumad teacher
“When does it become wrong to protect our lands? When does it become wrong to go to school, to learn and to dream of becoming a graduate?”
“The victory of the Bakwit School 7 is a testament to the truth and the legitimacy of the calls of the Lumad and the existence of the Bakwit School. This victory only proves that the NTF-ELCAC only peddles lies and that their stories bear no truth nor any weight when it comes to the fight for social justice."
“For decades now, UCCP-Haran Center has been a known sanctuary for Lumad people in Southern Mindanao, whose communities have repeatedly been terrorized by the Philippine Army and paramilitary groups. The UCCP Haran is simply performing their calling to ‘participate in the establishment of a just and compassionate social order."
Caraga police has announced late this afternoon that they arrested Renalyn Tejero.
Detained Grade 10 student Esmelito Oribawan and Datu Benito Bay-ao have fallen ill in jail.
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 recent attacks on Lumad bakwit school prompted the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) to call for support for the Philippine Human Rights Act (PHRA), a proposed measure to stop military aid to the Philippines.