KILABALITA: SEPTEMBER 09, 2014 PASAKA HITS AFP ENCAMPMENT IN LUMAD COMMUNITIES The Pasaka Confederation of Lumad Organization in Southern Mindanao Region strongly condemned the continuous encampment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in lumad communities in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. According to Pasaka Spokesperson Isidro Indao, for the past two months the military has occupied the schools and churches in communities of Patel, Tagasan, Taongatok, Kapatagan, Ngan, Aninipot, Mangkay, and Gupitan in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Indao said that this has resulted to severe harassment of lumads who now live in fear because of the relentless interogations. The AFP also prevents the residents from going to their farm. Indao added that the militarization of their communities has further worsened their security since they are now under attack. Pasaka also slammed the AFP for using their fellow lumads in the Aquino administrations counter-insurgency campaign. Under the Oplan Bantay Laya of former President Gloria Arroyo, the AFP established the paramilitary group Alamara and handpicked Datu Laris Masaloon as its leader in 2002. In a press conference last September 9, 2014, lumad leaders conducted a ritual called panubadtupad where they offered a white chicken to symbolize peace and justice. This is in response to Masaloons ritual using a red chicken that symbolized war against peoples organizations like Karapatan, Karadyawan and Pasaka. Last August 30, 2014, the group of Masaloon warded off the delegates of the National Interfaith and Mercy Mission in Kapatagan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Earlier, it was reported that members of Alamara were in ambush position thus preventing the delegates from pursuing their mission. Pasaka also criticized Kapalong Mayor Eduardo Timbol for not taking any action on the incident. According to Pasaka, Alamaras declaration of war against the people will only invite more violations. It will only further trample on the rights of the lumads to self-determination. Finally, Pasaka called on the Aquino administration to go back to peace negotiations in order to address the root causes of the armed confilct and achieve justice and peace.### Kilab Multimedia
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 06:17:09 +0000
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