Filipino-American delegates to the recent International Solidarity Mission in Mindanao were “dismayed” with Philippine government over what they observed as "its negligence to attend to the basic social services of its people".
“In every area, it’s almost like this. Let’s say it’s a little difficult and we are trying our best to improve it,” said Gascon who also saw “long queues, long lines” in their trips to Baguio, Legazpi and other provinces in Luzon and in Cotabato, Butuan and Cagayan de Oro.
Karadyawan said “the military are using our communities as shields, they are occupying our churches and schools, accusing and forcing some of us to surrender including some of our young children being forced by them to be their guides on their pursuit against NPAs [New People's Army]”.
A indigenous people’s group leader said they fear for their lives as government troops amass in their far-flung communities in Kapalong town, Davao del Norte.
Exhausted from the heat of the mid-day sun in Bankerohan Gym, 51-year old Leticia Lumakan, collapsed for the second time in two days.