Lumad protests to push through despite police presence

MANILA, Philippines – As part of their anti-APEC protests, Lumad and other indigenous peoples’ (IP) groups will continue their planned protest on Thursday, November 19, despite heavy police presence. This comes after the Kampuhan sa Liwasan demonstrations were shut down on Friday, November 13, following the Malacanang’s orders. 

Since then, the Lumad have been staying at the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran where they have been unable to stage visible demonstrations. 

Several shipping containers, buses and trucks had been parked around the camp, blocking the view of motorists traveling along Roxas Boulevard. Aside from the containers and trucks, tarpaulins were set up in front of the Redemptorist Church on Tuesday night.

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Members of the Lumad community reported seeing around 15 police officers in the area on their first night and more continued to arrive in the following days. On the 17th, the Manilakbayan ng Mindanao group posted on Facebook that there were “over 200 policemen with truncheons and shields” in the area.

Dolphing Ogan, one of the Manilakbayanis in the camp called the measures “overkill.” He later told Rappler that he expected more officers for the November 18 open house and the protest on November 19, which would include other IP groups and anti-APEC advocates.

Drones and kites

The day before the various IP groups were slated to converge, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was photographed flying over the encampment. The Manilakbayan’s Facebook page said Manilakbayanis saw the drone’s pilot talking to the police.

They believed the drone sighting was part of the police’s efforts to spy on them, especially after catching several people “clandestinely taking photos” of the camp.

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Later, Lumad children flew kites on which were written “Junk APEC” and “Save our schools” to call for an end to the militarization in their communities, which they believe is the result of the mining operations. (READ: Not all is well with globalization – Lumad, advocates)

Lumad children have been one of the worst hit by the militarization in areas of Mindanao as they deal with school closures, displacement, and frequent acts of violence. Places with a high concentration of Lumad schools have become targets for attacks which involve the killing of community leaders and the torching of facilities. (READ: TIMELINE: Attacks on the Lumad of Mindanao) 

Save Our Schools (SOS) Network, a group supporting the Lumad’s cause, issued a statement accusing the Department of Education (DepEd) of being complicit in the attacks on schools because of Memorandum 221, series 2013. According to them, the document allowed military forces to enter and take over the schools, an accusation the DepEd denied. 

Manilakbayan continues

Despite challenges to their protest, the Manilakbayanis intend to complete their activities. After receiving the dispersal order last November 13, Jomorito Goaynon, a Higaonon chief, said “Our removal from this place does not mean that we will stop our struggle.”

Manilakbayan ng Mindanao issued an invitation to visit their camp on November 18 and watch their preparations for the anti-APEC protest on the 19th. Their plans also included a Mass and candle-lighting activity.

However, the organizers said the highlight for that day would be the unfurling of anti-APEC banners at the bell tower of the Redemptorist Church. – Rappler.com