A TRIBAL leader has urged around 600 individuals staying inside the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran Compound in Madapo Hills, Davao City to return to their ancestral land, assuring that their fear of possible harassment will never happen.

George Mandahay, Obo-Manobo Indigenous People (IP) leader in Davao City and a member of the Indigenous Political Structure, said in a press briefing Friday, January 31, at NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza that the Lumad’s concerns and fears on militarization in the hinterland are not true.

In fact, when there were families who jumped over the fence and opted to go home last year, a total of 31, they were able to return home safely and were provided with the basic services and assistance by the government.

During an interview with some of the IPs staying at UCCP Haran, they have set a condition that they will only vacate the place once the military troops were pulled out and the Salugpongan schools will operate again.

Mandahay reiterated that there was no militarization to begin with. The Lumad are not only made to assume that there is such military-led human rights violation to keep them inside. He added that the military even helped the rescued families while the local government of Kapalong has given them assistance.

“Sa tinood lang, wala may militarization na nahitabo. Didto gi-cater mismo sa gobyerno didto sa kining Kapalong. Pag-abot nila didto, gi-ayo man, wala may nahitabo nga kahadlokan sa ilang kinabuhi, gi-ayo pa gani sila sa military (Contrary to the claims, there was no militarization. They were even treated properly by the government. Their lives are not at risk, even the military helped them),” Mandahay said.

He went on saying that there has been a lot of developments in the hinterland such as roads to provide accessibility and even Department of Education (DepEd) schools for the IP children near their ancestral domain.

On Saturday, some IP leaders went to UCCCP Haran to get their families and relatives back. But the attempt triggered tension and local officials came to intervene. Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte talked with the UCCP Haran officials to set a dialogue. However, the supposed dialogue was cancelled after the administrator backed off.

Mandahay could only surmise that the administrators were terrified that all their alleged illegal activities will be brought up once the proper forum will take place such as illegal detention and using the Lumad to generate funds from foreign countries.

He has also expressed his concern about the condition of the Lumad who are staying there especially for their health given the kind of environment they are in. He also questioned the status of the Lumad saying that if the management is really helping them, why are they looking more distressed and don’t even have decent clothing as well as proper accommodation.

Meanwhile, the IP leader said they will wait on Duterte’s next move before they take action.