Philippines; Surigao evacuees decry ravaged homes

IPHR Mindanao denounces rampant and atrocious violations
of Indigenous Peoples Rights

When the Arroyo government declared a stop of military operations (SOMO), a feeling of relief and hope swept over the residents of 12 villages in Surigao del Sur who evacuated their homes and farms last month due to massive military operations.

“Dili ko katuo nga makauli nami karon, nakahilak ko tungod sa kalipay nga akong gibati apan nabalaka gihapon kay sa among pagbalik didto wala pay kasiguroan ang tanan. (I can’t believe we are going to go home. I am crying because I am so happy, yet I am worried because we still lack security in our return),” an elderly woman disclosed to Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Watch (IPHR Watch) when asked her about her feelings that she and her family can now go home.

However, the residents of Han-ayan, Manluy-a, and Simuwao as well as other communities felt a deep pain and frustration again as they saw how their homes and farms had been destroyed so ruthlessly. All houses were forcibly entered and searched, the door locks were destroyed, their belongings were searched, their animals were gone, and garbage was scattered everywhere.

No respect was shown to their humanity as Lumads and settler farmers, and no respect or protection of their properties was demonstrated. Ironically, residents of Han-ayan had even asked the military to look after their homes and belongings, as well as the schools, before they left for the evacuation centers.

Major Samuel Sagun, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division, has denied the military’s involvement in these violations, pointing the finger instead at the NPA who are ‘on the run and looking for food.’ If this is so, who wrote such messages as “Maam, pls ayaw jud padala sa mga kumunista (Ma’am, please don’t be taken in by the communists)” and “NPA dugang problema sa Nasud! NPA, added problem of the country” on the chalkboards inside the classrooms and on the sides of some houses? Why would the NPA run to an area that the AFP was using as a base of operation?

The residents together with representatives of religious groups and NGOs that joined them in their journey home also recovered 34 empty shells of M16 and 5 empty shells of M14 in the ground, 6 combat shoes and a nameplate of the military, empty shells of 105 howitzer ammunition, and a white sack marked with “TM 1 PVT under Lt. Lucas.”

The situation we witnessed demonstrates how military operations only bring disaster to Lumad communities. IPHR Watch Mindanao documented cases such as Illegal Search and Seizure, Divestment and Destruction of Property, Violations of Domicile, Use of Schools and other Public Places for Military Purposes, Violation of Children’s Right to Development. The military either does not understand the protocols of war as stated in provisions of International Humanitarian Law, or the AFP’s commanding officers have knowingly disregarded the law and consciously violated human rights.

It is ironic that civilians were the most affected by the military’s so-called counter-insurgency operations. If these operations are for the protection of the people, as the military claims, then why is it that civilians are the suffering from the harassment, fear, hunger and sickness caused by the military operations? Why is it that they returned to ravaged homes and farms when residents had asked the military to protect their properties?

IPHR Mindanao concurs with statements of residents who have testified that this military operation is likely a clearing operation for the entry of big mining projects in their area particularly in Andap Valley. The residents deny the allegations of having a landmine factory in their community. “Ang naa sa among komunidad mao ang mina sa coal ug nasayod kami nga daghan nag-apas sa among bukid dinhi tungod sa kaabunda niini sa mineralis. (We have coal in our community, and we are aware that many are racing to get to our mountains because of the abundant minerals),” Gerasque Enriquez, Vice Chairman of Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod said.

IPHR Watch Mindanao denounces the rampant and atrocious human rights violations done by the military to the Manobo tribe. The military is a state agent that is obligated to protect the constitution, the country and the people and should respect the law of human rights provided by the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the protocols of War 1 & 2 of the Geneva Convention. The recent incidents in Surigao Sur only reinforce in the minds of the people that this government is inutile to protect the rights and life of the people.

We call on for the immediate indemnification and proper rehabilitation for the victims and the affected communities. IPHR Mindanao challenges Arroyo government to investigate this case and trial those responsible for these crimes. ###

Reference: Karen Munasque
(082) 299-4964

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