THE Pasaka confederation of lumad Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) urged the Department of Health to take action on the health concerns of indigenous peoples in the hinterlands.
Pasaka Spokesperson Jong Monzon, in an interview at the sidelines of the Kapehan sa Kalumaran held at the UCCP Haran Thursday, December 15, said they are seeking help for the health concerns of lumads who have returned to their homes as diseases already took 16 lives.
During the program on Thursday, lumad leader Datu Gombil whose funeral was held on the same day was commended for heroic acts he did for the community now suffering from the epidemic.
Monzon said Gombil Mansimuyan was among those who returned first to their communities in Talaingod.
"Pag-uli nila sa community karon almost 16 ang patay, apil si Datu Gombil, tungod sa sakit na cough and colds, sakit sa tiyan, diarrhea (As they returned to the area, 16 died including Datu Gombil because of cough and colds and diarrhea)," Monzon said.
He added they are still confirming whether there was a cholera outbreak in the area as one of the patients brought to Kapalong was positive of the disease and also one from the same community who was brought to the German doctors.
"Among panawagan karon na asksyunan na ni siya sa gobyerno labi na sa Department of Health kay duna nay kahimtang na naa najuy patay (We call on the government especially the Department of Health since the situation already caused death)," Monzon said.
Monzon said he hoped that the DOH will not turn blind on the issue and give assistance to the “bakwits.”
Fr. Pops Foundation is currently conducting a medical mission in the area and they reported that 15 communities are affected with the disease including 600 patients with 200 children.
Monzon urged people to donate more medicines for the communities.
He added the group wants to ask President Rodrigo Duterte for the realization of his promise to allow the indigenous peoples who have been staying at the sanctuary for one year and nine months to return to their homes.
Monzon also urged the pull-out of military troops in the Muslim communities.
He added they have already heard the pronouncement of President Duterte to pull out the military but they cannot still feel its effect.