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  • Writer's pictureKabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino

PRESS RELEASE: 7 Years of Lianga Massacre

Human rights organizations continue to seek justice on the seventh anniversary of the gruesome Lianga massacre 1. Throughout the history of previous administrations and national leaders, the National Minorities, composed of Indigenous Peoples and Moro peoples in the Philippines, have faced tyranny and injustice.


Photo from Altermidya.

Emerito Samarca, Executive Director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), Dionel Campos, Chair of the Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU), and Lumad leader Bello Sinzo were killed by paramilitary forces called Magahat-Bagani who labeled the victims as rebels 7 years ago today.



DRAFTJS_BLOCK_KEY:67mf4Human rights organizations continue to seek justice on the seventh anniversary of the gruesome Lianga massacre 1. Throughout the history of previous administrations and national leaders, the National Minorities, composed of Indigenous Peoples and Moro peoples in the Philippines, have faced tyranny and injustice. the neighborhood stood helplessly.


Kim Falyao, Deputy Secretary-General of Katribu Youth highlights the loss following the incident, “The Lumad in Lianga have progressed without any support from the government. They have built a sustainable community out of their own blood, sweat and tears as food security is ALCADEV’s priority–supported by mass organizations. For the AFP and paramilitary to walk in and kill respected leaders, steal money and equipment, and burn down facilities is what makes them equivalent to terrorists. They have stolen peace in the Lumad communities.”


Two years after, on the same month, September 5, Obello Bay-ao, a Grade 7 student of Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanuon Community Learning Center (STTICLC), was shot also by two elements of paramilitary named Alamara who have been recruited as Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).


“Our ongoing political crisis stems from the government’s profit-driven orientation to establish so-called development projects. The more we let these railroaded policies and projects slip by our fingers, more indigenous communities will be militarized and displaced. We need to act now,” emphasized Falyao.


Advocates for national minority rights continue to protest against the state's mistreatment in the countryside as they seek justice for the heinous Lianga massacre, killing of Obello Bay-ao, and the thousands more of human rights violations that followed the incidents in the last 7 years. Until now, paramilitary and military groups freely roamed the countryside, assaulting indigenous peoples' ancient territories and instilling fear and intimidation among community people.


Katribu Youth, together with other human rights organizations, condemns the present government of Marcos Jr. and Sarah Duterte with its lack of tangible measures for the national minorities’ battle for land and justice—a system which made them free from accountability from the crimes which led to environment destruction and community displacement.


Reference:

Kim Falyao

Deputy Secretary-General

Kabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino

09277631379


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