Davao Norte uplanders up in arms vs NPA rebels

DAVAO CITY — The different ethnic tribes in the hinterlands of Davao del Norte and in some parts of Davao City have launched their "Alsa Lumad" movement against the alleged atrocities committed by New People’s Army rebels in their communities.

Col. Felipe Berroya, commander of the Army’s 70th Infantry Brigade, said the leaders of the various local tribes who wanted an end to NPA activities in their areas, were behind "Alsa Lumad."

The movement, Berroya said, is similar to the successful "Alsa Masa" campaign against communist guerrillas who turned this city into a "killing field" in the early 80s.

He said the "Alsa Lumad" was triggered by the abduction and slaying by NPA guerrillas last month of former Talaingod mayor Jose Libayao, who was an Ata-Matigsalog chieftain.

The natives of Talaingod and neighboring areas strongly resented the killing of Libayao who had helped improve the living conditions of his constituents by initiating socio-economic projects.

Militant groups such as the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and Karapatan Human Rights have assailed the "Alsa Lumad" initiative as a "militarization" of the natives.

Berroya, however, disputed this, saying that "Alsa Lumad" was meant to improve the village self-defense system which has long been in place in lumad communities. — Edith Regalado