For the Manobos’ well-being

Straight away, may I advance the view that in the vast democratic space available to us, an honest-to-goodness dialogue is the answer to any long-drawn out controversy. This is particularly necessary when the actors and players in an unfolding drama represent a broad spectrum of points of view – if not ideologies – and must therefore find a resolution to the issue acceptable to all parties. That means, however, that the parties to the controversy must be willing to shift to a “give-and-take” socio-political dynamic.

In a church-owned compound in Davao City, a controversy rages. The center of attention is a group of  Indigenous Peoples  – the Manobos. The problem is these Manobos are not in their otherwise pristine and favorable surroundings. They are confined inside ( held captive, according to other quarters) a high-walled property on Father Selga Street, owned and managed by the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP).

Various IP  tribes, most of them Manobos, were reportedly deceived by militant groups with promises of rice and other goodies and of meeting with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and boxing luminary Manny Pacquiao early  this year. Since then, the IPs  have been in Haran. This is according to Rep. Nancy  Catamco of the 2nd District of North Cotabato,  the  military and tribal leaders in the areas.

Militant groups counter by saying the “evacuees” are fleeing their villages due to increased militarization.

Representative Catamco, chairman of the Committee on Indigenous Peoples and a Manobo herself, has taken up the cudgels for these people. They continue to be confined in the UCCP compound, even if they have expressed a clear wish to go back to their homes. Housed in a UCCP property, the Manobos are supposed to be in good hands in Haran.

After all, “haran” is a Hebrew word for mountain or hill. It is a word which, in the Book of Psalms, is often associated with safety, a place of refuge or a sanctuary. For instance, Psalm 121 begins with this reassuring line: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”

The feisty congresswoman said that the living conditions in Haran drastically need improvement. More to the point, she asked why keep the IPs there when they have openly expressed their desire to go back to their homes. According to her, there is no basis for fearing the military when they go back home.

What must be foremost in our minds is the truth that the Haran situation is a humanitarian concern first and foremost. DSWD officials who visited the compound, steered clear of the debate whether the IPs there are evacuees or not. They simply reported what they saw and what they gathered from interviews with the UCCP Haran personnel.

The DSWD reported that around 700 IPs are inside the compound – made up of men, women, children and elderly. The DWSD further said that the IPs are housed in makeshift shelters made of bamboo and other light materials. These are covered with tarpaulin and laminated sacks that serve as roofing and walling.

What needs further investigation by the House is the DSWD finding that the sanitation standard in the facility is dismally low. For example, there is only one Antipolo-type toilet for all the occupants. This one facility is obviously inadequate for the 700 lumads.

The lack of water supply must also be probed. That’s why the IPs take a bath two times a week only.

The DSWD personnel, assisted by a 911 medical team, also conducted check-ups on IPs who voluntarily sought medical intervention. They were given first aid treatment and some were advised to seek further medical attention and hospitalization such as the children who suffered from severe stomach pains.

While some quarters say the IPs in Haran are evacuees, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and tribal leaders in Davao and surrounding provinces say otherwise. Therefore, there is sense in the move of legislator Catamco to ask for an impartial investigation by Congress in aid of legislation. Every claim will be tested against the evidence and testimonies given under oath. And the truth will prevail.

While it is necessary to know the truth and find out who is telling the truth, it is also necessary to those who erred in the process to rectify certain actions. And then in the spirit of sharing a common purpose, the once protagonist must “bury the hatchet” and  find common cause to promote and safeguard the safety and welfare of the IPs.

 This is particularly imperative in the case of legislators who find themselves on different sides of the political – or ideological – fence. Rep. Catamco, as chair of the Committee on Indigenous Peoples,  took a step in the right direction in asking for the truth to come out via a congressional investigation. It is now up to other legislators in the House, especially those who share a common advocacy with the good congresswoman, to resolve this issue as parliamentarians.

Summing up its findings, the DSWD team said the UCCP Haran compound “is not a conducive place as an evacuation center for the IPs.” It poses more risks on the health condition of the IPs and exposes the women and children to possible abuses. It also hampers the educational development of the children who are supposed to learn academic lessons in a school-like place.

Anyway, whatever your political belief is — whether you belong to the Left, Left of Center, Center, or Right, or Right of Center in the ideological spectrum – this situation as described by the DSWD and as pointed out by the congresswoman from North Cotabato, leaves much to be desired in terms of human care, shelter,  food security and everything else that humane treatment requires.

From where I stand, it does not matter whether the IPs are evacuees or not.  They definitely should be treated humanely. If the Haran compound leadership cannot provide the IPs there with sanitary and decent living quarters, then the DSWD and other concerned government agencies should take over.

It is hoped that a multi-sectoral dialogue will be immediately held to resolve the controversy – as well as find a resolution to the issues and concerns that have given rise to it. The IPs in Haran should be able to go back to their ancestral lands and live there safely and in peace. This way, there will no longer be a need for a Haran ever again.

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 Sillimanians in Metro Manila (SMM)  will present GALING AWARDS on August 30, 6 p.m. at the New World Hotel, Makati Ballroom, to honor outstanding alumnei  Guel Auste (for business),  Col. Joy Turla (public service) and Dr. Marl Ferenal (education). Tenor Dondi Ong and soprano Katrina Saga will perform kundiman, Broadway,  jazz and  inspirational hits with a live band. For details, contact Ed Dames @09209543599 or [email protected]

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