TALAINGOD, Davao del Norte – Some 1,500 Ata Manobos left their villages last April 1 in the hinterlands of Talaingod, Davao del Norte after what they said were harassments brought by military troops occupying their communities for weeks.
The community trekked for 12 kilometers from Barangay Nasilaban to Barangay Palma Gil, stopping only for meals and rest along the road and trees.
They brought only bare necessities: clothes, containers and precious farm animals such as chickens, pigs and dogs. Mothers kept tight watch over their children especially at night.
Trucks brought by support groups of the Ata Manobos fetched them from Barangay Palma Gil all the way to Davao City where they are now given sanctuary at a Protestant church compound. (davaotoday.com)
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- Some 1,500 Ata Manobos left their villages last April 1 in the hinterlands of Talaingod, Davao del Norte after what they said were harassments brought by military troops occupying their communities for weeks. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)
