Declaration in the Occasion of the Indigenous Peoples Leaders’ Conference on the Independent Voice in the Peace Processes

IP Leaders signifies their commitment to their demand for an Independent Voice in the Philippine Peace Processes.

Cotabato City

We, the tribes of Indigenous Peoples or Lumad in Mindanao celebrating the 19th year of the implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act 8371 of 1997, gathered at the UDFI, Cotabato City, Mindanao, Philippines through the Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on the Independent Voice in the Peace Processes from October 27-29, 2016 expressed our grave concern over the situation of our ancestral domains and resources within.

Despite the passage of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act in 1997, the abuses on the four (4) bundles of rights (ancestral domains, self-governance and empowerment, social justice and human rights and cultural integrity) committed by investors, revolutionary groups, and the State itself persisted. In short, the human and collective rights of the Indigenous Peoples such as the killings of leaders, land grabbing, misusing the tribal defense forces to divide the tribes as well as the non-recognition of the system of governance of the Lumad.

At the moment, the government is talking peace with the different revolutionary groups like the CPP-NPA-NDF; MILF, MNLF and others. This is an opportune moment for the Lumad of Mindanao and the Indigenous Peoples of the whole country to demand for our agenda for justice, peace and development as a response to the worsening of our situation as victims affected with the armed conflicts, development aggression, schemes and machinations of groups by organizing and/or recruiting members of the tribes to join their cause within our ancestral domains, violating our individual and collective rights as indigenous peoples and non-recognition of our Indigenous Political Structures (IPS).

Concretely, the gathered twenty (20) tribes of the Lumad in Mindanao established an Independent Peace Panel called “Lumad Husay Mindanaw”. “Husay” is a customary practices to achieve peace and justice. The objectives of the independent panel is to push for a genuine participation and representation of the Lumad in the peace negotiations. The central agenda is to restore the control and power over the ancestral domains and the resources therein through a genuine peoples empowerment of the Lumad and address the historical injustices committed against us.

The Independent IP peace panel is comprised of individuals from the Greater Davao Area, Western Mindanao, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM),Central Mindanao and Northern Mindanao. This panel generates its mandate from the 20 gathered tribes from the mentioned territories and their constituencies who are supportive of this initiative.

We, therefore, declare the following demands:

Recognize the Independent Indigenous Peoples Voice in the Peace Processes: “Lumad Husay Mindanao”;

Full recognition of the Indigenous Political Structures (IPS) of every tribes;

A Federal System that recognizes the IP Federal State or IP Autonomy within the Federal States;

Full inclusion of IP Rights under a federal system and the peace processes;

Give Justice and reparation to all victims of Extra-Judicial killings among the IPs.

For the President to Cancel the Joint Administrative Order 2012 (NCIP, DAR, DENR and LRA);

Cancel IFMA, CBFM, ISF, Leased Contract Renewal Agreement – KRDC to DENR, CLOA – DAR and other tenurial instruments that are within the ancestral territories;

Review all existing corporate plantations without a Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC);

Repeal the Mining Act of 1995 and review Mining Exploration and Exploitation without FPIC;

For the State and Non-State Actors not to use the the Bagani/tribal defense other than the purpose that they are created by the tribes. We do not recognize and strongly condemn the misuse and abuse of the Bagani by groups outside our tribes.

Implement the Supreme Court Decision for Central Mindanao University, Maramag, Bukidnon and amend the Presidential Proclamation 476 for CMU in favor to Manobo, Talaandig and Higaonon Tribes of Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

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Signed by the delegates. October 29, 2016. Cotabato City.

Note: Photo Credits: Budyong Kalandang

MEDIA ADVISORY: IPs demand Independent Voice in the Peace Processes

Oct 26, 2016

Cotabato City

The current administration of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust is to continue with the peace processes with the different non-state actors. This is a very positive development for Mindanao. However, for the indigenous peoples, this doesn’t necessarily mean all positive, especially if in the processes, they will again be left behind and further marginalized. 

In the past peace processes between the government and the different revolutionary fronts (GRP-MNLF, GPH-MILF, GRP-CPLA, GRP-CPP-NPA-NDF) the IPs have been left out. Instead of being the beneficiaries of the negotiations, they were further marginalized and became victims of peace. Their right to Self Determination has been continuously violated by the different actors and Human Rights Violations (IP killings) became most obvious, intensified land conflicts, logging concessions given to rebel groups within the Ancestral Domains of IPs and lately uncertain provisions for IPs within the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the non-recognition of the IPRA (Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act). It was only in the last peace talks between GPH-MILF that IPs were represented as part of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) with some successes in lobbying but still not as independent and equal body. 

With the peace negotiations being revived by the current administration, it has again opened an opportunity for the indigenous peoples to engage, participate and raise their voice for the peace panels to hear. 

With this rationale, the Katawhang Lumad Council of Mindanao Peoples’ Peace Movement held series of consultations (Cotabato City, Davao City and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur) since July – September 2016 which primarily consulted IP leaders and representatives of tribal communities on their issues and concerns pertaining to the Peace Processes in the country and on how they can collectively engage these processes. 

As a culmination of these consultations, an Indigenous Peoples Leaders’ Conference on the Peace Processes will be held this 27-29 October 2016 in time of the observation of the 19th year since the passage of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act at the Ummah Development Foundation, 10th Street, Rosary Heights V, Cotabato City. More than 100 Mindanao IP leaders and tribal communities’ representatives will take part in the event to chart out their agenda for peace and development in their respective communities. With the gathering, it is the utmost hope of the gathered IP leaders that their collective voice will be heard and provided a space in the peace processes. 

Reference Persons:

Letecio Datuwata
IP Voice Convenor
09215715942

Rodelio Ambangan
IP Voice Co-Convenor
09776726960

Alim Bandara
IP Voice Co-Convenor
09308081422

Pahayag: Gamutin ang Kahirapan! Isulong Karapatan ng mga Mamamayan! - ALTAHR

Kami, pitum po’t siyam (79) na delegado na kumakatawan sa iba’t-ibang organisasyon, kilusan, tribo at pamayanan na nagsusulong upang palaguin ang karapatang pantao ng mga indibidwal, grupo at sektor na nagmula sa siyam (9) na probinsya ng Mindanao na dumalo sa Mindanao Human Rights Conference na ginanap noong ika 10-11 ng Oktobre taong 2016 sa Dapit Alim, Simbuco, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. Ang Komperensyang ito ay inilunsad upang kolektibong pag-usapan ang kasalukuyang kalagayan at hamon sa karapatang pantao at balangkasin ang aming sama-samang pagtugon at panawagan sa gobyerno at sa buong sambayanan.

Sa pagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao, kami ay aktibong nag-oorganisa ng aming hanay at komunidad, pinapataas ang aming kamulatan at kaalaman sa iba’t ibang isyu ng lipunan, nagdo-dokumento ng mga kaso sa paglabag ng karapatang pantao at nagkikipag-ugnayan sa iba’t ibang ahensya at sangay ng gobyerno (duty bearers) upang maging ganap na maisakatuparan ang karapatang pantao para sa lahat;

Sa kabila ng ating sama-samang pagkilos,

Sobra kaming nababahala sa lumalawak at tumitinding problema sa ipinagbabawal na gamot na sumisira sa bawat hibla ng ating lipunan at nagdulot ng malawakang kasiraan at masamang epekto sa kalusugan at kinabukasan ng mga kabataan at ng buong sambayanan. Kung kaya, ito ay isang pundamental na usaping karapatang pantao na nangangailangan ng sersoyo at agarang tugon; ngunit,

Mas lalo kaming nababahala sa patuloy na pagtaas ng bilang ng mga namamatay araw-araw dahil sa iba’t-ibang operasyon ng awtoridad at kapulisan, ng mga hindi kilalang grupo at pangyayaring summary executions o extra-judicial killings sa loob pa lang ng isang daang (100) araw ng panunungkulan ng administrasyong Duterte. Kabi-kabilang patayan hindi lamang sa kampanya kontra druga kung hindi pati na rin ang mga insidenteng pagpatay sa mga lider-Lumad, manggagawa at mga magsasaka;

Kami ay nangangamba din sa mga hindi makatarungang pag-aresto (warrantless at illegal arrests), pananakot (harassment) at iba pang porma ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao na aming nado-dokumento sa maraming komunidad sa Mindanao.

Kami ay naniniwala na,

Ang tumitinding kahirapan ang pinag-ugatan ng mas maramipang panli punang problema bahagi rito ang mabilis na paglaganap ng droga. Tumitindi ang kahirapan dahil ng kakulangan sa disenteng trabaho at serbisyo- sosyal gaya ng pabahay, pangkalusugan, pang-edukasyon; bahagi din ang kakulangan sa programa para sa mga bulnerabling sektor tulad ng mga may kapansanan, kabataan, kababaehan, nakatatanda at mga biktima ng gyera at kalamidad; kawalan ng tunay at ganap na pagpapatupad ng repormang agraryo at IPRA; pagkasira ng kapaligiran dulot ng pagmimina, pagtotroso, at pagtatayo ng maraming coal-fired power plant na lumalaganap sa Mindanao; pang-aabuso sa trabaho at diskriminasyon base sa kasarian, edad at pagkakilanlan; hindi pagkilala sa Karapatan sa Sariling Pagpapasya at Lupaing Ninuno ng mga Bangsamoro at Lumad; patuloy na kaguluhan sa Mindanao; at kurapsyon sa gobyerno. Ang kondisyung ito ang nagtulak sa karamihan upang masangkot sa mga anti-sosyal na gawain at (gumawa ng) kriminalidad tulad ng pagtutulak ng ilegal na druga.

Karapatan ng lahat ang Karapatang Pantao, na walang pagkiling sa anumang katayuan sa buhay, edad, kasarian, pagkatao, nasyunalidad, relihiyon at pampulitikang paniniwala kung kaya’t ito ay dapat protektahan ng gobyerno sa lahat ng panahon at pagkakataon;

Ang suliranin sa droga ay higit pa sa pampulisyang usapin, ito ay isang panlipunan at pangkalusugang usapin din. At ang kampanya laban sa druga ay dapat patuloy na magpo-protekta sa buhay ng bawat isa lalung-lalo na ang mga kabataan na magtataguyod sa susunod na henerasyon. Ang problema sa droga ay isang panlipunang suliranin, kaya susi sa paglutas dito ang sama-samang pagkilos at partisipasyon ng iba’t-ibang sangay at sektor ng lipunan lalung-lalo na ang mga pamilya, tribo, mamamayan at komunidad.  Ang partisipasyon ng mga mamamayan sa pagdesisyon at pagbalangkas ng mga programa para pagtugon sa problema sa droga ay importanteng mekanismo upang maging angkop at epektibo itong masugpo at mawakasan.  

Kaya kami ay nananawagan sa administrasyong Duterte, sa mga kasama sa panlipunang mga organisasyon at sa buong sambayanan, na agarang tugonan ang lumalawak at tumitinding kahirapan,  na pairalin ang panlipunang hustisya bilang pundasyon sa pagpuksa sa mga suliraning druga, kriminalidad at kurapsyon. Kaakibat dito ay ang pagpapatupad ng mga makatao, maka-sambayanan at angkop na mekanismo sa pamamahala kung saan ang paghubog, pagdesinyo, pagdesisyon at pagpapatupad sa mga polisiya, programa at serbisyo ay may makabuluhang paglahok ang mga mamamayan at komunidad. Ang kahirapan, gutom at kawalang oportunidad at kabuhayan ay ang sakit ng lipunang marapat na pagtuonan ng pansin at ating pamahalaan.

Sa sama-samang pagkilos ng mga mamamayan para sa usaping pangkapayaan, kaunlaran at hustisya ay maisakatuparan ang tunay na pagbabago para sa isang lipunan na may dignidad at ang pagtiyak na kalahok ang mga mamamayan at komunidad sa mga usaping ito ay katungkulan ng pamahalaan.

Gamutin ang Kahirapan! Isulong Karapatan ng Lahat ng Mamamayan!

Alliance of the Tri-People for the Advancement of Human Rights (ALTAHR)

Dapit Alim, Brgy. Simbuco, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte

October 11, 2016

Reference Person

Jennevie Cornelio

Secretary-General, ALTAHR

Mobile #: 09061370457

Email: altahr2015@gmail.com

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Inendorso at sinusuportahan ng 36 na mga organisasyon panahon ng pangalawang Mindanao Human Right Conference) na inorganisa ng Alliance of Tri-people for the Advancement of Human Rights (ALTAHR kasama ang Tri-people Organization against Disaster (TRIPOD) Foundation, Kaagapay OFW Resource and Service Center (Kaagapay OFW), Lanao Alliance of Tri-people Advocates (LAHRA) at Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao (AMKP).

RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS!

Death toll attributed to war on drugs of the Duterte administration has now reached over 3,000 – both from the legitimate police operations and extrajudicial killings (EJK). Since July 1, 2016 when President Rodrigo R. Duterte assumed office, there have been 3,225 total number of persons killed in which 1,152 were killed in police operations as of September 19, 2016 and 2,073 were victims of extrajudicial killings as of September 15, 2016. In police operations, there have been 17,759 arrested drug personalities and 715,393 surrenderees in Project Tokhang. These police operations were intensified due to the 6 months promised deadline of President Duterte in ending the illegal drug problem in the country.

However, the intensity of this initiative compromised the lives of innocent individuals who were implicated to illegal drug trade and made the poor victims of collateral damage of the operations. Even the due process of law was neglected as death toll increases.

We commend the present administration’s motivation and firm courage to end the illegal drug problems of the country as it is the only administration that is bold and daring enough to fight illegal drugs. Furthermore, we appreciate how these efforts contribute to the decreasing crime rates in many communities as reported.

We believe that to live in an illegal drug – free society is a right of every Filipino and of the generations to come. But we also believe that illegal drug users and pushers are victims of inequalities of the Philippine society and that human rights are non-negotiable, inalienable and universal, thus, the human rights of the poor drug users and pushers are not lesser than that of the rich. Drug lords and protectors of illegal drugs do not have a place in this society, thus, they should be the one to suffer in jails and be meted out with maximum punishment that they deserve in accordance with the law.

We also believe that war on drugs could be more effective should the current administration works on efficient and comprehensive rehabilitation plan for the drug victims especially on the aspect of economic re-integration, family and community education and other mechanisms of support.

We further believe that as a social illness, illegal drugs in the country is a concern of every Filipino and not just of the police, hence, as a stakeholders the peoples’ voices and active participation to this cause is a must.

An illegal drug – free society is pro-human rights!

Alliance of Tri-People for the Advancement of Human Rights (ALTAHR)
Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao (AMKP)
Email: altahr2015@gmail.com, amkp_cotabato@yahoo.com

September 21, 2016

Declaration, Mindanao Grassroot Human Rights Conference

We, the seventy-six (76) participants from the different provinces of Mindanao representing the fifty-two (52) grassroots organizations of Lumad,Bangsamoro and Migrant Settlers, actively advocating and working for the advancement and protection of human rights convened during the Mindanao Grassroots Human Rights Conference held at Dapit Alim, Simbuco, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte on September 3-5, 2015. We strongly express,

The current global economic and political framework is only at the best interest of the few;

The common people continuously experience massive and intense curtailment and violations of their human rights. The absence of sustainable and decent work; unjust and unfair system of labor like contractualization and informalization; absence of support services from the government like genuine agrarian reform and support to family-based and small scale farmers and fisherfolks; lack of support and protection to OFWs; lack of budget and insufficient implementation of program for education and other basic social services; and imposition of profit-driven development to communities such as mining, logging, agri-business plantation and construction of coal-fired power plants have resulted to massive land grabbing of ancestral and agricultural lands of the people and the devastation of the environment;

The poverty induced by inhumane development dictated by a system that accumulates excessive profit, monopolizes and privatizes natural resources have resulted to immense gap and unequal development of the society and dehumanize the common people;

The on-going armed conflict and militarization in Mindanao extremely violates the rights of the people to life and to live peacefully. This also causes massive displacement of hundreds of thousands of people from their land, work and home.

Human rights defenders and advocates were persecuted while others experience harassment because of ‘red tagging’ – they are associated to rebel groups and other elements who alleged to be enemies of the state and corporations.

In general, the Lumads, Bangsamoro and Migrant Settlers in Mindanao are in great jeopardy as they themselves are victims of impunity in defending human rights.

We believe that in our collective efforts, we can strengthen the peoples’ movements to advance human rights as fundamental in attaining genuine peace and sustainable development in Mindanao and in the country in general;

We will promote mechanisms that would always protect the victorious struggle of the people and the community for peace, development and human right;

 We are in solidarity with all the movements in the local, national and international in order to fortify the struggle for human rights;      

We are unified in strengthening our movement as response to the challenges and threats to the democratic realization of rights of the people and of the environment;

We call and demand for:

·         Stop militarization in the communities!

·         Stop the divide and rule tactics employed to the people in the communities!

·         Stop mining, logging, agri-business plantations and construction of coal-fired power plants and other projects that destroy the environment and community!

·         End harassments of the farmers and tenants and genuinely implement agrarian and fisheries reforms!

·         Strict implementation of minimum wage, social benefits and end contractualization practices in labor!

·         Sufficient program that protect OFWs and all the workers!

·         End privatization of basic social services (health, education, water, transportation, irrigation, electricity, housing, etc.)!

·         Justice to the victims of extra-judicial killings and destructive projects done by the state and non-state elements!

·         Fast track the process of ancestral domain claims!

·         Efficient programs and services for the victim-survivors of calamities and armed conflicts!

·         Genuine participation of the people and the community in the peace processes in order to advances its inclusivity!

·         Full inclusion of Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) in the Bangsamoro Basic Law!

·         Promote peaceful means in resolving armed conflicts in Mindanao!

·         Strictly implement the existing mechanisms that fully realize human rights!

For the rights of all people and of the environment:

1.      Kaagapay OFW Resource and Service Center

2.      Maharlika – DKMP-Lanao

3.      KALESALE - DKMP-Lanao

4.      Lig-ong Hiniusang Kusog sa mga Kabus sa Iligan (LIHUK)

5.      Movement of Young Catalysts for Change (MYCC)

6.      Kahugpungan sa mga Mangingisda sa Kolambugan (KASAMAKO)

7.      Lanao Fisheries Advocacy Netwrok (LFAN)

8.      Iligan Survivors Movement (ISM)

9.      LUMAKA

10.  LAWIG – Byahe sa Kausaban

11.  Lapayan Power Movement Association (LPMA)

12.  Liga ng Makabagong Kabataan (LMK)

13.  Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (LAHRA)

14.  Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement (MPPM)

15.  Manga Solo Parents Association (MASPA)

16.  Nagkahiusang Mangingisda sa Karumatan (NAMANGKA)

17.  Mindanao Tri-People Youth Center (MTPYC)

18.  Teduray-Lambangian Youth and Student Association (TLYSA)

19.  Timuay Justice and Governance (TJG)

20.  Mindanao Tri-people Women Resource Center (MTWRC)

21.  Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao (AMKP)

22.  Nagkahiusang Mag-uumang Organiko (NAMAO)

23.  Filipino Katoliko (FK) CARAGA

24.  Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Initiative, Research Assistance Center (MIPIRAC)

25.  Kagkalimwa OFW Federation

26.  Cadiz Farmers Association

27.  SDL-GenSan

28.  Kalamungog Farmers Association (KALFA)

29.  ALAKOP Council of Timuays

30.  Inged Fintailan – Timuay Justice and Governance

31.  Tri-people Youth (TRY)-Change

32.  Ranao Women and Children Resource Center (RWCRC)

33.  Demokratikong Kilusang Magbubukid (DKMP)-Lanao

34.  Tri-people Organization against Disaster (TRIPOD) Foundation

35.  Pigkarangan Youth and Student Organization (PYSO)

36.  Ranaw Tri-people Movement for Genuine Peace and development (RTMGPD)

37.  Sumpay Mindanao

38.  Soodoroy de Kelebunan Women

39.  Mamalu Descendants Organization (MDO)

40.  Sustainable Alternatives for the Advancement of Mindanao (SALAM)

41.  Lanao Aquatic and Marine Fisheries Center for Community Development (LAFCCOD)

42.  Nagkahiusang Organisasyon sa mga Mangingisda sa Tubod (NOMATUB)

43.  Convergence of NGOs/POs in Zamboanga del Sure for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (CONZARRD)

44.  Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma ug Mamumuong Kababayen-an (KASAMMAKA)

45.  Lig-ong Panaghiusa sa mga Mamamuo sa Banika sa Lanao (LPMBL)

46.  Kilusang Maralita sa Kanayunan (KILOS KA)

47.  Electoral Reforms and Development  Assistance Center (ERDAC)

48.  Ilelama Council of Timuays

49.  Coal Resistance (CoRe) Movement

50.  Teatro Pag-asa

51.  Alyansa sa mga Kabus sa Lungsod ug Syudad (AKLAS)

52.  Alyansa ng Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan (AKMK)

Contact Persons:

Adona Orquillas

Chairperson

Alliance of Tri-people for the Advancement of Human Rights ( ALTAHR)

Mobile #: 09356659608

Jennevie Cornelio

Secretary General

Alliance of Tri-people for the Advancement of Human Rights ( ALTAHR)

Mobile #: 09061370457

#Muslim, #NotTerrorist - MPPM

A Statement of Solidarity to our Muslim Brothers and Sisters in their Feast of Sacrifice
September 12, 2016

Young Mindanao peace advocates call for understanding and solidarity.

Today, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Adha or the “feast of the sacrifice” of the Prophet Abraham’s devotion to Allah. The celebration falls close to September 11 when the Twin Towers of New York were brought to ground zero by the Al-Qaeda terrorist group in 2001.

Several days ago, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a terrorist group linked to the Al-Qaeda wreaked havoc in Sulu when it beheaded one of its hostages. This was followed by the bombing of Davao City that left 14 people dead and 67 others injured on September 2.

Every time terror attacks take place, confusion and fear give rise to a more dangerous sentiment: hatred against Muslims. This is because terrorism has always been perceived by many as linked to Islamists and Muslims are viewed as terrorists or supporters of terrorists. It blurs the fact that terrorism targets indiscriminately. It knows no race, no ethnicity, no gender and no religion. Thousands have been victims of terrorism in several countries since 9/11. Tension remains high, discrimination runs deep and division poses a great challenge.

But what is Muslim?  According to a scholar, Muslim is a follower of Islam religion and Quran said that, “…Islam is surrender to God: (Who can better in religion than who surrendereth his purpose to God while doing good (to men)? (IV: 125), “Turn unto him repentant and submit to Him” (XXXIII: 54”[1]

In these difficult times, may the spirit of sacrifice strengthen our resolve, our understanding and tolerance so that we may come together as one amidst the continuing threats of division.

Let us continue breaking down the walls of hatred and building bridges of peace through learning exchanges, dialogues and solidarity.

Let us continue condemning the acts of violence and terror while celebrating the peace-building efforts in our communities.

Eid Mubarak! Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. May peace be upon us all.

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[1] The Spirit of Islam: Doctrine and teaching by AFIF A. TABARA, 1978 : 11

Published: http://tripeoplesjournal.blogspot.com/2016/09/muslim-notterrorist.html?m=1

Protect human rights in the pursuit of peace and justice

Statement on the Sulu crisis and Davao bombing

On September 02, 2016 a bomb exploded in Davao City and killed 16 individuals and left 67 others injured. The bombing was claimed by the Abu Sayyaf- a terrorist group pursued by the government troops after it beheaded an 18-year old man hostage when his family failed to give ransom in exchange for his release. 

Meanwhile, the ongoing military pursuit against the terrorist group and rescue operation of the remaining hostages in Sulu caused more than one thousand (1, 000) civilians to leave their homes and stay in evacuation centers for fear of being caught in the crossfire. 

We strongly condemn these senseless acts of violence that caused the loss of lives and ignited widespread fear and raised anti-Muslim sentiments among peoples in the country. Violence and atrocities like these is gradually destroying the remaining social fabric and therefore has no space in a civilized society like Philippines.  

As we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the victims of the explosion, we also call for the government to:

(1) provide immediate support and medical attention to the injured and their families; 

(2) facilitate a thorough and objective investigation of the bombing while strictly adhering to due process and protection of human rights in its pursuit of the perpetrators; and 

(3) gear its response to the current situation towards improving unity and solidarity among its peoples.

As we support the pursuit for a peaceful Mindanao, we demand to uphold civilian supremacy: fundamental human rights shall be respected and protected at all times and most especially in times of conflict. 

The acts of terror are geared to create confusion, irrational fear and hatred among the people. Hence, we ask the public to remain steadfast, calm and vigilant in this crucial time. 

May peace be upon us all.

Adonna Orquillas

Officer-in-Charge, Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (LAHRA)
Telephone Number: 221-3769, Mobile Number: 09356659608

Signed:

Alyansa ng Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan (AKMK)

Lig-ong Hiniusang Kusog sa Kabos Dakbayan (LIHUK)

Mindanao Peoples’ Peace Movement (MPPM)

Ranao Tri-People Movement for Genuine Peace and Development (RTMGPD)

Sumpay Mindanao, Inc. (SMI)

September 4, 2016

WE ARE PART AND PARTNERS FOR CHANGE! - NAMAO

NAMAO Statement on its 2nd Founding Anniversary Celebration

The election of President Duterte to office was evident enough to say that the mass majority of the Philippine population is fed-up with the shallow political promises and rhetoric. The demand for change has never been more resounding. It opened up opportunities for the majority poor and working people to raise concrete proposals and persistently engage the current administration.

We, as small organic farmers and rural workers of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uumang Organiko (NAMAO), an organization of Indigenous Peoples and Christian family-based organic farmers and rural workers in Agusan del Sur and Caraga Region believe that change must be the inclusive peace and development programs that recognize, promote and uphold the key role of the peoples in grassroots communities.

We believe that as the people who feed the world, our genuine participation in sustaining the alternative efforts in promoting and advancing ecological, diversified, organic and integrated sustainable agriculture is essential in eliminating massive hunger and poverty that is widely-experienced by people in the world.

For two years, we have been a partner of line agencies in the promotion of organic agriculture and peoples’ participation in governance. We have been accredited to the municipal government unit of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur and Caraga regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment and have participated and organized several activities and trainings on organizational and technical capacitation in partnership with Department of Agriculture (Sibagat Municipal and Caraga Regional offices), Kilusang Maralita sa Kanayunan (KILOS KA), Mindanao Peoples’ Peace Movement (MPPM) and other civil society organizations.

With our experience, we stand firm on our resolve that, key to Change is the real participation of peoples and communities, reiterating that development framework must give emphasis to organic agriculture, environment and the right to human dignity – sensitive enough to community and peoples’ cultures and traditions.

Hence, we appeal to the current President Duterte administration to implement the Organic Agriculture Act (RA 10068), an act providing for the development and promotion of organic agriculture in the Philippines, consistent to the policy of the State to promote, propagate, develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines that will cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil, increase farm productivity, reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent the depletion of natural resources, further protect the health of farmers, consumers, and the general public, and save on imported farm inputs and recognizes and supports the central role of the farmers, indigenous people and other stakeholders at the grassroots in this program. In addition this must be accompanied with sustainable support mechanisms for the practitioners particularly the small farmers and rural workers.

As we celebrate our 2nd Founding Anniversary on September 21, we stand with all of the dreamers and workers for people-based Change, Peace and Development.

We invite you all to join our celebration. Celebrating our continuing efforts as part and partner for the common good and protection of the common goods – land, forests, food, waters and rivers, air and life.

In behalf,

Toribio Bernadas

NAMAO Chairperson

namaoads@yahoo.com.ph

18 September 2016

Make a Stand for Peace

Obra ni Archie Blanco

MindanaOne strongly condemns the Davao City bombing last 2 September 2016 around 10pm that claimed 10 individuals on the spot and injured 60 more. 

We would like to extend our sympathy to the relatives and friends of the victims.

Let us all stand for justice and peace.

We call on authorities to deeply and objectively investigate the incident and bring before the law the culprits and avoid arrest of mistaken identities.

Let us stand against anti-social and illegal activities, crimes and terrorism while concretely addressing unemployment, poverty, hunger, low social services, low wages, precarious living conditions, labor contractualization, high living standard, neglect, marginalization, Lumad Killings and Corporate assaults to environment and communities, and more that day to day terrorized the mass majority of the population too.

Let us remain critical and vigilant to declarations of the government. Law enforcement first and foremost shall ensure protection of the population and their inherent rights.

Of the same degree we would like to express our solidarity to civilian communities in Sulu affected by the ongoing atrocities in their communities displacing thousands.

Let us all stay calm and alert. Let us strengthen our unity and solidarity and do not allow subjective judgements against each other particularly on our faiths.

MindanaOne

3 September 2016