By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
Gina is among the widows who joined the Manilakbayan (Journey to Manila) initiated by human rights, peace and environment groups in Mindanao. She was joined by several widows: Daisy Paborada, a Higaonon from Opol, Misamis Oriental; Rosalie Cabal from Kibawe, Bukidnon; Sharon Liguyon from San Fernando, Bukidnon; and Mercy Dejos from Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
By DANILDA L. FUSILERO
Davao Today
On Wednesday, Katribu, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Kabataan Party-list, women’s organization Gabriela and Mapa community leaders representing the evacuees joined together to stage a picket-rally in front of the municipal hall of Magpet and called for the immediate pull-out of all military troops in the municipality.
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
On Saturday, Manilakbayan delegates held a protest outside the Camp Crame in Quezon City where they denounced the continued human rights violations in Mindanao due to the implementation of the counter-insurgency plan, Oplan Bayanihan, and the displacement of the indigenous peoples due to the presence of foreign-owned and large-scale mining corporations.
By KENETTE JEAN I. MILLONDAGA
Davao Today
However, they weren’t able to approach the children right away. When they reached the house, government troops were already milling around in the area. “We were almost shot,” Aileen said. “They told us not to go near the house because Daguil Capion (Aileen’s brother) was still present,” she added.
The community’s fear of the military is not without history. In 2002, a paramilitary group called Alamara, which the community alleged as military-backed and whose members wear camouflage uniforms like ordinary soldiers, have threatened to kill and rape women including Bigkay.
By JOHN RIZLE L. SALIGUMBA
Davao Today
Gok said his tribe has been prevented from hunting the forests since the 27th IB was assigned in their area two years ago.
By MARILOU AGUIRRE-TUBURAN
Davao Today
Paniza’s announcement came after a week the Davao City Council approved a resolution exhorting the military to pullout its detachments from civilian structures such as schools and village halls.
By JOHN RIZLE L. SALIGUMBA
Davao Today
Alan said the soldiers also took the other belongings he was carrying. “They threw my shirts on the mud and trampled them. They even tore the malong (a native blanket) that I was bringing. They said it was proof that I was indeed an NPA,” Allan said.
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
“The action was part of the continuing punitive measure being carried out by the NPA’s 1st Pulang Bagani Company against the 10th Infantry Division-Armed Forces of the Philippines to counter its atrocious methods of terrorizing the peasant and Lumad masses in Paquibato District, Davao City” — Rigoberto F. Sanchez, spokesperson of the NPA’s Merardo Arce Command
By JOHN RIZLE L. SALIGUMBA
Davao Today
The recent moves of the Council, Librado-Yap said, would serve civilians “who want the soldiers to leave their communities because they can protect themselves.”
