Indigenous group calls for Pope’s support in fight for land

Jodesz Gavilan

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Indigenous group calls for Pope’s support in fight for land
Members of the Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas ask for the intercession of Pope Francis to push government and other institutions to recognize their rights

MANILA, Philippines – Through a “welcoming feast” held in front of the Apostolic Nunciature on Taft Avenue Tuesday, January 13, indigenous peoples called on Pope Francis to support their struggle for the recognition of their rights.

Dubbed “poor indigenous feast”, members of the Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP) hailing from several areas in the Philippines served root crops and brewed coffee so the Holy Father “feels the warm and authentic hospitality of our people” during his Apostolic Visit to the Philippines on January 15 to 18.

According to spokesperson Piya Macling Malayao, it would be a big opportunity for them to share a meal with the Pope if given the chance as several issues need to be discussed.

OFFERING: KAMP member Kakay Tolentino, an Alta-Dumagat from Aurora, sends the group's gift to Pope Francis: rice grains, tubao (indigenous bandana), saleng (pine tree fire wood), and a bamboo tube with carved Hanunuo Mangyan script. Photo by George Moya/Rappler

Through a letter to the Pope which was handed to employees of the Nuncio, indigenous members of the group said they wished for him to stand with them as “corporate greed, especially in mining and energy, threatens the survival” of their communities. 

“The oppression of indigenous peoples and the violation of our human rights would be the topic of conversation we would have with Pope Francis if ever we could share a meal with him,” Malayao said.

“Together with other poor and oppressed, we eagerly await your visit and we welcome you to our blessed lands,” the group wrote.

An estimated 100,000 indigenous peoples from 39 groups are at risk of being displaced. In addition to this, they will also lose their livelihood due to “oppressive” acts.

“As our ancestors taught us, we owe these lands to the future generation and it is our responsibility to defend these gifts of our Creator,” the letter stated. “Our just actions in defense of our ancestral lands and resources have been met with violence primarily coming from State forces.”

MARGINALIZED MINORITIES. Aeta, Igorot, Mangyan, and Dumagat members of Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP) gathered at the Apostolic Nunciature in Taft Avenue for a welcome feast for Pope Francis. "Our economic, political, and cultural rights and traditions are not recognized by the government. If we could share a meal with Pope Francis, we will speak to him about the oppression of indigenous peoples in the PHilippines," said Piya Macliing Malayao, an igorot and spokesperson of KAMP. Photo by George Moya/Rappler

“We are the sacrificial lambs to the altar of false development and the profit of a few,” Malayao added.

The group asked Pope Francis to raise the issue of human rights violations when he meets government officials, as at least 50 indigenous peoples – especially the slain women and children who are “bearers of life and the future” – have been killed under the current administration.

They also want the Pope’s intercession for President Benigno Aquino III to enact the People’s Mining Bill that will “liberalize the mining industry” for a “genuine national development and genuine recognition” of their rights as indigenous peoples.  

“We humbly ask for your intercession for the welfare and dignity of the indigenous peoples, the national minorities in our country and around the world, and the integrity of creation for the common good of the poor and oppressed,” KAMP said. – Rappler.com

Join Rappler in a 100-day countdown to Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines: a journey from the Vatican to Tacloban. Tweet us your thoughts using the hashtag #PopeFrancisPH!

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Jodesz Gavilan

Jodesz Gavilan is a writer and researcher for Rappler and its investigative arm, Newsbreak. She covers human rights and impunity beats, producing in-depth and investigative reports particularly on the quest for justice of victims of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs and war on dissent.