Lumad organizations and advocates urged for continued support against the militarization in Mindanao during the forum “Buhay, Hindi Bala! A Forum on the Militarization in Surigao del Sur and the CARAGA Region,” held Tuesday at the College of Mass Communication Auditorium.
Josephine Pagalan, secretary-general of Lumad organization Kahugpungan sa mga Lumadnong Organisasyon (KASALO) said the 75th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army was involved in the killings because they refused to protect the Lumads despite their presence within the vicinity of the Lianga, Surigao del Sur massacre.
On Sept. 1, 2015, Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Development (ALCADEV) executive director Emerito Samarca, Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) chair Dionel Campos and Datu Bello Sinzo, all Lumad leaders, were killed by paramilitary unit Magahat-Bagani.
Pagalan said the Lumads joined paramilitary units because of lack of stable livelihood, leading them to easily succumb to bribes from corporations and the military. The Armed Forces also use the paramilitary to make it seem like the Lumads are engaging in a tribal war.
According to UP Manila professor Roland Simbulan, these paramilitary groups use members of the community against their own people. The paramilitary units also receive funds from local businessmen and politicians.
Furthermore, Joanna Jaime of Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KATRIBU) said the military suspects the Lumads of serving the New People’s Army (NPA) and therefore directly targets them through Oplan Bayanihan.
“Nagsusunog po kami ng kilay [sa] gabi para lamang masulat […] ang maibabahagi namin sa mga estudyante, ‘yan ba ang tinatawag na mga NPA?” said Jhon Jhon Clava, ALCADEV volunteer teacher.
(We toil at night just to write what we can share to the students, is that what they call NPAs?)
Jaime also mentioned other possible motives of military presence, including protection of mining companies, hydropower and coal projects, plantations, and logging.
Eyewitnesses also shared their brutal encounters with the military. One of them is a Lumad survivor of the Pangantucan massacre who detailed the killing of five Lumads wrongfully suspected to be members of the NPA.
Matanum Monico Cayog, chairperson of Kalumaran Kusog sa Katawhang Lumad sa Mindanao, said 55 Lumads, mostly leaders, were killed to instill terror to the indigenous people.
“Nakita namin, ‘yung isip nila, hindi sila mga sundalo ng Pilipino, kundi sundalo ng mga kapitalista at dayuhan,” Cayog said.
(Their mindset is not that of Filipino soldiers, but of foreigner and capitalist mercenaries.)
Despite all these, the Lumads will continue to stand for what is theirs.
“Mamatay man ang mga lider, tuloy pa rin ang laban ng mga Lumad, dahil ang lupa ay buhay,” said Pagalan.
(Even if our leaders die, we Lumads will continue the fight, because land is life.)
This article first appeared on Facebook on Sept. 16, 2015.
