Within the two weeks that we stayed at the Diatagon gymnasium we were treated as if we were not human by the military. The 75th IB along with Marcos Bocales, leader of the bandit paramilitary Magahat-Bagani; PNP-Lianga and Lianga MSWD controlled the relief goods that were meant for us. The municipal LGU did not give us assistance because according to them, there was no calamity.
Our situation at the evacuation center in Brgy. Diatagon was difficult. We lacked water because every time we tried to fetch some we were not allowed to pass by the soldiers guarding all the entrances and exits of the gymnasium. We tried buying drinking water but the stores had nothing because the military did not allow them to sell water. There were no toilets. It was overcrowded and very hot inside the gym. We were getting sick, especially our children. In addition, every now and then, our leaders and the teachers who were helping us, received death threats through phone calls or text messages or were directly threatened.
The officials of Brgy. Diatagon and Lianga were stifled. The civilian government was ineffective because the 75th IBPA was pressuring and controlling them. They were like puppets doing whatever the military commanded them to do.
Amidst such inhumane conditions, we, the 1,607 evacuees, decided to look for a safer place. Thus, on July 30, 2018, carrying our belongings, we hiked to look for a place where we will be treated as humans. The military continued to follow us. The road in Davisol was blocked by their two six by six trucks, they took photos and videos and mocked us.
When we reached San Agustin, there were several soldiers and policemen with shields waiting for us, the road was blocked by their military trucks and there was a firetruck, as though ready to spray us with water if we try to pass. Here, the provincial government of Gov. Pimentel called for a dialogue which was attended by 401st Brigade Commander Col. Maurito Lucudne and 75th IB Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jaime Datuin, PSSUPT Francisco Dungo, Sr., vice-governor Manuel Alameda, church people led by the Friends of the Lumad in Caraga and community representatives.
We agreed upon the following:
- Dismantle the detachment in Simowao and 75th IBPA troops withdraw from Km. 9
- As their mandate, the military may launch military operations in areas where there were NPA or armed groups
- Hold a fact finding mission in the area to check for military presence as the evacuees are ready to return to their communities
- Soldiers cannot stay in the houses in communities
- The residents of the community will not receive NPA members
Our leaders along with provincial LGU representatives signed, but the military refused. It was clear to us who the AFP serves, not us, Lumad, but the capitalists who want to desecrate our ancestral lands.
Despite this, our unity with the people ever willing to help and who sincerely sympathize with our situation, remains strong.
Our leaders, accompanied by church people led by the Friends of the Lumad in Caraga, and representatives of the provincial LGU are now in our communities to check if the military detachment in Sitio Simowao have been dismantled, if there really are no military troops in the center and near our communities, so we the evacuees, can return to our communities.
We are very thankful to the church people, to the individuals and the media who were always with us, helping us and exposing our conditions and aspirations.
Dismantle detachments in communities!
Stop militarization in the countryside!
Stop the entry of large scale mining in our ancestral lands!
Resume peace talks between the GRP and NDFP!
Respect our right to self-determination!
End Martial Law in MindaNOW!
