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Tuesday, June 07, 2005
120 tribesmen flee two Surigao towns
By Ben Serrano
BUTUAN CITY -- At least 120 lumads (indigenous peoples) or 20 families including four families of lowland settlers in the hinterland barangays of Lanuza and Cortes towns in Surigao del Sur fled amid fresh hostilities between the military and the New People's Army (NPA).
Various non-government organizations and Church leaders reiterated this in a report to the Human Rights Office and the military.
Officials of the group Green Mindanao said at least four tribal members and a child were still missing when Mamanwa and Manobo tribesmen left the area as fresh fighting erupted anew there.
They said the lumads dispersed into different directions while some have reached safety in Barangay Sibahay, Lanuza town. They said the others in Sitio Lubcon, Mabahin in Cortes were without food until the next day.
Four tribal members and one child were unaccounted for in Barangay Sibahay, the Green Mindanao report said.
Green Mindanao Development Foundation, Incorporated has anti-poverty and self help projects in the area whose beneficiaries were Manobos and Mananwa tribesmen.
Datu Tata Suazo, tribal leader of Libas called up Green Mindanao staff Roel Casenas and Kahiusahan Tribung Mamanwa og Manobo sa Lanuza, Cortes og Tandag Datu Mahigugmaon (Katrimma) Carmelitu Montenegro to ask transport and food relief assistance.
Green Mindanao responded and initiated soliciting assistance from various religious groups for food assistance.
They reported the condition of the displaced tribal community to Lanuza Municipal officials who responded by assessing the situation of the concerned tribal group.
The group then established an evacuation center and distributed food in the area.
Katrimma leaders held a meeting and consultation with their members on the present issues and concern affecting their communities.
They agreed together and made the following statement relayed to Green Mindanao by Datu Carmelitu "Mahigugmaon" Montenegro, chairman of Katrimma.
They said the "NPA nor the government troopers will not be allowed to enter the area without coordinating and securing the approval of the tribal chieftain concerned."
Green Mindanao Executive Director Glicerio Dagondon claimed KATRIMMA members are still taking refuge in Sitio Lubcon, Mabahin Cortes and in Barangay Sibahay, Lanuza.
He said they're wondering how to secure assistance and compensation from the damages of current armed conflict and they are uncertain on where to get the next meal since they left their farms for fear being caught in the crossfire.
Military officials last week ordered a stop in combat operations after several municipal officials appealed to President Arroyo and top military officials to stop military operations in the areas of responsibilities.
(June 7, 2005 issue)
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