My heart is breaking. Despite the increasing awareness of the attacks against the Lumad (indigenous peoples) communities in Mindanao, there are STILL cases of harassment, threats, killings and, just recently, the burning of an evacuation center in Davao City that hosted hundreds of displaced Lumads.
KANUS-A MAN GYUD NI TAWON MOUNDANG?!?!
Initial reports showed that five lumads, including two children, were hurt during the fire that broke out in Haran Center, which shelters Manobos from Davao del Norte and Bukidnon who sought safe refuge in the church-run dormitory.
Who in his right mind won’t be angry? Our Lumad brothers and sisters need to be protected, not driven away from their homes!
I agree with Sen. Chiz Escudero, who has also called for a probe. “Those who have less in life should have more in law. That’s the basic principle in social justice,” he said.
“Naniniwala ako na ang bawat Pilipino, lumad ka man o hindi, ay may pantay-pantay ng karapatan at hindi kailan man dapat dumanas ng kahit anong uri ng diskriminasyon.”
Frequent killings in the lumad communities, widely believed to have been perpetrated by armed groups with ties to the military, have forced these indigenous people to leave their homes.
I also echo actress/singer Aiza Seguerra’s sentiment:
Hindi na kayo nakuntento? Pati evacuation center ng mga Lumad sa Davao, susunugin ninyo? Sinong protektor ninyo at ang kakapal ng mukha niyo
— Aiza Diño Seguerra (@aizaseguerra) February 24, 2016
STOP LUMAD KILLINGS!
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
