Local, military execs deny abuse on Davao tribal groups

MANILA, Philippines - Local government and military officials on Tuesday denied allegations that soldiers involved in anti-insurgency operations had committed abuses against tribal groups in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Talaingod Mayor Basilio Libayao stressed that he would not allow his constituents to be abused by the military or any group.

“For truth and peace, there were no abuses committed by the soldiers in the area. If indeed there are, then I myself will defend my people, he said,” Libayao said in a statement sent to the media by the Army.

Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III said the military would always be a “partner in nation building and development” of the indigenous peoples.

“Rest assured that our best effort is served for our people to live peacefully,” Cruz said.

Local officials and the military issued the joint statement in response to reports about the supposed abusive practices of soldiers who are running after communist rebels in the province.

The report, which appeared in a broadsheet last week, said Manobo families were displaced from their homes because of the clashes between government troops and members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Security forces were also accused of dropping bombs near civilian communities and prohibiting residents from leaving the area.

The report also alleged that soldiers had molested a woman and had interrogated a teacher, students and parents who were preparing for their graduation. There were also claims that around 1,300 persons from Barangay Palma Gil in Talaingod

Libayao claimed that local residents had been “discreetly gathered” by a group called Pasaka at night to leave their residences to make it appear that soldiers are committing abuses.

He said they are asking the help of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to enable the evacuees to return to Talaingod.

“We are capable to attend the needs of our constituents. The organizers did not inform local authorities of their plan to bring the evacuees to Davao City,” Libayao said.

The military claimed that only 300 individuals from Barangay Palma Gil had evacuated to Davao City and not 1,300 as claimed by Pasaka.

“I appeal to the organizers. Do not exploit the indigenous peoples plight. Do not put us at risk. Please respect us,” said Datu Ruben Labawan, chairman of the Supreme Tribal Council for Peace and Development.

Tribal leader Datu Nestor Apas said the groups who organized the lumads are not from Talaingod.

“The organizers violated the customary laws of tribes in Talaingod,” he said.

For his part, 1003rd Infantry Brigade chief Col. Harold Cabreros defended the military operations against the rebels in the area.

He said the security efforts are meant to address the NPA’s harassment and extortion activities.

“The leftist group is taking advantage of the people especially the indigenous peoples and is using them as propaganda in order to stop development from reaching the area,” Cabreros said.