Tribal leaders condemn NPA for killing ‘Datus’

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 27): Tribal leaders condemn NPA for killing ‘Datus’

Some 500 Higa-onon tribal leaders condemn the killing of Datus during the celebration of “Dumalondong” held at Sitio Kiudto, Barangay Hagpa, Impasug-ong town, in the tribal province of Bukidnon, May 26.

Camilo "Datu Mansugenud” Nanolan, one of the leaders of the Agtulawon-Mintapod Higa-onon Cumadon (AGMIHICU) Tribal Organization, expressed concerns that the NPA has been destroying not only their community but also their way of life.

Their culture is slowly dying because of the NPA-killings of their Datus who have been very active in protecting and preserving local traditions.

The tribal leaders specifically condemn the brutal killing of Datu Benjamin Omao, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative of Malaybalay City, in his office last May 17, 2016 by armed men believed to be members of the New People's Army.

Datu Omao has been very active in strengthening tribal organizations in order to preserve the culture and traditions of the Lumads.

AGMIHICU leaders believe that the NPAs have been targeting Datus for liquidation to break the leadership they provide and destroy the culture that bonds the tribal communities.

The tribal leaders brought out their sentiments to the members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), Region 10, who were invited for this occasion held by the Lumads.

“Dumalondong" is the highest form of ritual for the Higa-onon Tribes in the ancestral boundaries of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Agusan del Norte provinces.

The gathering of key tribal leaders for this ritual happens only when there are issues and concerns affecting the tribes that need to be resolved.

LTC Romulado Raymund B Landingin, civil military operations officer of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), assures that the military is doing its part to secure tribal communities since this is actually a priority program of the 4ID's Bayanihan security plan.

For his part, LTC Lennon G Babilonia, commanding officer, 8th Infantry Battalion, that has operational jurisdiction in the tribal areas of Bukidnon, warns the people to be watchful in dealing with groups affiliated with the NPAs.

"The NPAs have completely disregarded, violated, and is slowly erasing the culture that has been there for centuries by killing Datus who have been actively preserving the rich knowledge and practices of their people,” said Babilonia.

He further said it is very sad because the CPP-NPA was a proponent and signatory to the IPRA law and yet, on the contrary, they are the number one violator of this law and the rights of the people. They are killing Datus in order to gain local support out of fear and prevent the community from organizing and practicing their traditions. This clearly shows their ulterior motives in helping the IP communities.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1461464422646/tribal-leaders-condemn-npa-for-killing-datus-