Bai Bibyaon Bigkay, a Matigsalog leader from Talaingod, Davao del Norte, said she is dismayed with the attitude shown by North Cotabato Representative Nancy Catamco who is now under fire after a dialogue with lumad (tribal) evacuees in Davao City turned sour.
A Datu (tribal leader) of Manobos from Talaingod, Davao del Norte met with with a United Nations official on Monday in Quezon City to discuss how the alleged human rights abuses forced them to leave their communities.
Indigenous peoples’ group Kusog saKatawha ng Lumad sa Mindanao (Kalumara n) continued its advocacy to defend and uphold the rights of the lumads, particularly the children, who have been long victim of abuses brought about by militarization in tribal areas.
Philippine-based non-government organizations and victims of alleged human rights violations filed cases against the government before an international tribunal in the United States.
Leaders of lumads who evacuated to Davao City starting May because of alleged Army harassment in their areas said a legislator insulted their leaders, deceived them into a dialogue and are forcing them to go home despite threats in their lives.