On IP Day 2025, Panaghiusa urges public to stand with IP; calls to stop the attacks
- Panaghiusa Philippine Network
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
[TAGALOG] Sa araw ng mga Katutubo, Panaghiusa nananawagan sa publikong tumindig para sa mga Katutubo; itigil ang mga atake
Today, August 9, Panaghiusa Philippine Network to Uphold Indigenous Peoples' Rights joins Indigenous communities across the globe in commemorating the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. This year’s celebration is not only a tribute to the rich cultural heritage and enduring resilience of Indigenous peoples, but also a call to action amid intensifying threats to their land, life, and resources.

Across the Philippines, Indigenous communities continue to face systemic marginalization, land dispossession, and militarization. In Mindoro, the killing of farmer Juan Sumilhig by the 4th Infantry Battalion in San Jose, and subsequent military operations in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, have placed Indigenous lives in grave danger. These attacks violate core principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which protects civilians and those no longer participating in hostilities during armed conflict. Rooted in the Geneva Conventions of 1949, IHL prohibits attacks on civilians and demands that all parties to a conflict take precautions to avoid harm to non-combatants. The continued militarization of ancestral lands reflects a broader pattern of impunity and disregard for Indigenous rights.
“These violations are not isolated. Indigenous leaders and advocates have been red-tagged, harassed, and imprisoned under fabricated charges. Lumad educators and community organizers have been targeted, schools shut down, and ancestral lands encroached upon by extractive industries,” said Rikki Mae Gono, National Coordinator of Panaghiusa.
The arrests of Manobo activist Julieta Gomez and Indigenous rights advocate Niezel Velasco are emblematic of the state’s attempt to silence Indigenous resistance. After nearly four years of unjust detention, their eventual acquittal stands as a testament to the strength of collective advocacy and perseverance in the law.
In Palawan, the Molbog and Cagayanen peoples continue to defend their ancestral lands against displacement and ecotourism projects. Their struggle, supported by church leaders and civil society, has led to renewed calls for the recognition of their domain claims and the withdrawal of the private army from their communities.
“These victories remind us that Indigenous resistance is not only alive—it is growing. But the threats remain. From Cordillera to Mindanao, Indigenous communities face militarization, land grabbing, and the weaponization of laws,” said Gono. “The Marcos Jr. administration’s silence on these issues, even in its recent State of the Nation Address, underscores the urgent need for solidarity and action,” she added.
Panaghiusa calls on the Philippine government to uphold its commitments under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and international humanitarian standards.
“We urge civil society, media, and international allies to amplify Indigenous voices, demand accountability, and stand firm against the continuing attacks,” stated Gono.
Panaghiusa means unity. And in unity, we celebrate, we resist. #
Reference:
Rikki Mae Gono
National Coordinator
Panaghiusa Philippine Network to Uphold Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
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