Lumads leave Liwasang Bonifacio

MANILA, Philippines - Lumads dismantled their tents at Liwasang Bonifacio yesterday afternoon after Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada gave them until 6 p.m. to leave the freedom park.

Estrada refused to grant an extension of the lumads’ rally permit, which lapsed yesterday morning.

He talked to the leaders of the tribal folk in a closed-door meeting with Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana at past noon.

As of 4:30 p.m. yesterday, the lumads were dismantling their tents. Estrada ordered the city’s engineering personnel to assist the lumads in dismantling their tents.

“It is the duty of every Filipino to protect the image of the country,” Estrada said, emphasizing that the group can return to the area after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Manilakbayan spokesperson Jomorito Guaynon said they do not know where they are going. Nana expressed optimism that the group will not camp out at other freedom parks in the city.

Guaynon said they will continue their protests and will join other organized groups’ rallies during the APEC summit.

There were reports that the lumads will proceed to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Center building in Tondo while other reports indicate they would go to the Baclaran Church in Pasay City.

The lumads’ caravan, called Manilakbayan 2015, seeks government action to solve the killing of three lumad leaders and the military takeover of their tribal lands. – With Jose Rodel Clapano, Edith Regalado