Mindanao-based alternative media group Kilab Multimedia posted these photos of the lumad children in Compostela Valley gym who were among the evacuees from Brgy. Mangayon, Compostela Valley due to heavy military presence in their community:

Matigsalug tribe flee due to militarization

Compostela Valley — Children are among the most affected among the almost-500 Matisalog Lumads who evacuated from Sitio Bermuda,Purok 4B, Brgy. Mangayon to Poblacion, Compostela Valley Municipal Gym due to heavy military operations in their land on October 4.

“It was clear that Lumads were forced to abandon their homes and farm to protest the 25th IB’s plan to stage their military operations in their community. Aside from this, other communities in Compostela are facing the same problem such as Sitio Bongkilaton, Spur Dos, Quarry, Puting Bato, and Brgy. Panansalan,” said Bello Tindasan, spokesperson of Compostela Farmers Association, organization who assisted the evacuees.

The lumads have been protesting the presence of the  25th IB in their community for three weeks. About 120 soldiers of the said military unit linger in their community in full battle gear and heavy artillery since October 2, according to Barug Katawhan, a human rights organization in Mindanao.

Barug Katawhan also said that the lumads had already confronted the military about their presence in the communities, but the latter said they will need a few days in the area to finish their operations.

Christina Lantao, a Matigasalog woman leader,  said the military occupied their area not protect their rights but to protect the interest of large scale mining operation, Agusan Petroleum & Minerals Corporation.

“We have 61 hectares agri farm, some horses, pig and chickens.  The military might kill or destroy  them because they they want us to tell the people what they are doing against us. We have 4 classrooms that are not yet finished. These are donated by some fathers and brothers and schools in Davao, we just want to recover from Pablo,” said Lantao.

Tindasan added that other communities might also be forced to evauate due to the intense military operations happening in the whole Compostela town.

She said that military detachments were located right within the community such as in Spur Dos, where two howitzers and APC tanks were parked less than 20 meters away from homes.

“This is the second time that the tribe evacuated due to militarization. The Oplan Bayanihan of Aquino’s administration did not address the true intention of bayanihan but served as security force of large scale mining company wanting to operate in Typhoon Pablo areas,” Karlos Trangia, Barug Katawahan Spokesperson expressed.