DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has asked military commanders in the city to determine who might need assistance among indigenous peoples, caught in the insurgency and counter-insurgency operations of both the military and the New People's Army (NPA).
"All of those who are not included in the military-government side and the NPA-side of the civilians, those who are in between. We will endeavor to provide protection to them," she said.
The mayor also said that the city has a ready shelter for Indigenous People families affected by counter-terrorist operations in the hinterland areas, even those who are not from Davao City.
"Naa ta'y ready na evacuation center, which is already empty karon because kadtong na landslide sa Diversion Road nanguli naman sila then naa na silay kanya-kanyang places, naa ta'y empty nga evacuation center sa Los Amigos (We have a ready evacuation center. Those accommodated there because of the landslide at Diversion Road have all gone home. So we have empty evacuation center in Los Amigos)," she said.
Concern on the safety of IPs, especially their leaders, has been raised following the murder of a Datu and his son at Sitio Igang, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, by suspected New People's Army members.
The city mayor said that the Davao City Peace and Development Advisory (DC- Peace Dev) has been doing their work to cultivate peace in communities.
"They already went up to the Paquibato twice. They have already been to two barangays. They are preparing their proposals for their projects in 2019, what kind of projects they need to address the issues of different areas. They are not really talking with NPAs anymore. They are just seeking out the opinion and concerns of the affected barangays," she said.
Duterte-Carpio said that roads for accessibility, power and water are among the primary concerns identified so far.