DAVAO CITY – A research institution said that the recent attacks on indigenous people’s schools in Mindanao is affecting other alternative learning centers in the region.
Anna Leah Escresa-Colina, executive director of the Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research, Inc. (EILER), said in a statement that “the utter failure of the Aquino government and local authorities to stem the relentless attacks on Lumad schools emboldens the perpetrators of Lumad killings to target more victims and escalates the humanitarian crisis in Mindanao.”
Escresa-Colina cited the recent incident in Lianga, Surigao del Sur where three people, including a school administrator, were killed.
She said EILER is currently operating six learning centers for child laborers in Mindanao, Negros Occidental and Bicol region.
“We strongly condemn the gruesome killing of Lumad educator Emerito Samarca and Lumad leaders Dionel Campos and Bello Sinzo in Lianga town, Surigao del Sur as we urge national and local authorities to take urgent action on the spate of Lumad killings happening under their noses,” she said.
“The continuation of deadly attacks on Lumad schools in Mindanao certainly poses a grave threat to other alternative learning centers, including schools, and creates a climate of fear among the already impoverished and displaced children of Mindanao,” she added.
Escresa-Colina said the attack on schools is also an attack on children’s rights, as the escalation of violence against Lumad schools “hampers their learning and denies them the safe and conducive environment which they badly need.” (davaotoday.com)
