Army denies hand in lumad protest

From the Sun Star-Davao (Dec 17): Army denies hand in lumad protest

AN OFFICIAL of the Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID) insisted Wednesday that they have no participation nor involvement in the protest/rally staged by some 700 lumads from different hinterland communities in Davao Region, calling for the retention of military troops in their respective communities.

Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson for the 10th IDArmy, denies hand in lumad protest said the protest was organized by some lumad groups, insisting that both Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and 10th ID were not aware of it.

The lumads staged a protest Tuesday in front of various offices including the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Hall of Justice, and Haran evacuation center.

"Walang kinalaman ang ating kasundaluhan sa pagprotesta ng mga lumad kahapon. This was organized by the own lumad groups," Batchar told reporters during the AFP-PNP press conference held yesterday at The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases.

Batchar said the reported attacks and harassment on lumads in their communities are allegedly perpetrated by the New People's Army (NPA).

He also urged the militant groups not to drag the issue of militarization among these lumads who are seeking refuge here in Davao City for the Christmas season.
But Batchar clarified that these lumads are not victims of militarization and insisted that they are just here for their customary tradition to celebrate Christmas here.

"The leftist groups claim these lumads are victims of militarization. It is just fair to spare these lumads for exploitation. After Christmas these lumads will return to their respective communities," Batchar added.

He also said that the militant groups should not prevent these lumads from returning to their communities just to use them for their propaganda.

Lumads from Compostela Valley, Talaingod, Paquibato, and Marilog arrived here on Tuesday morning and claimed that the presence of the military troops in their communities maintain the peace and order situation.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/12/17/army-denies-hand-lumad-protest-447451