November 28, 2018
ATM
stands with the T’boli-Ubo-Manobo tribe from Brgy. Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato,
as they continue to seek justice for the killing of Datu Victor Danyan and
seven of his companions. They were all
members of the T’boli Manobo S’daf Claimants Organization (TAMASCO), and are
resisting the illegal coffee plantation operated by Consunji-owned Silvicultural Industries (SII).
As
ATM, we reflect that the stand against destructive mining is a stand for the
right to self-determination of indigenous peoples. This resistance of TAMASCO
against an illegal forestry management agreement by a coffee plantation company
is the same resistance to an extractivist project like large-scale mining.
The
struggle of TAMASCO is the genuine and often dangerous struggle of indigenous
peoples to protect their lands and assert their right to self-determination of
their future, within their ancestral domain.
Because of their courageous stand, they were gunned down mercilessly
last Dec. 3, 2017.
The
TAMASCO massacre reflects the high price that lumadspay in order to assert
their indigenous rights. ATM condemns
this senseless violence against lumads, a story repeated in many other
mining-affected communities.
ATM
joins the demands of the affected communities and their support groups. As Task Force TAMASCO, we demand that government
agencies must be held accountable. DENR
must immediately cancel IFMA No. 18-2007, which was illegally merged with the
expired IFMA No. 22. NCIP must ensure
that TAMASCO members are protected and enjoy the fruits of their ancestral
domain. The CHR must step in and resolve
the case immediately, in favor of TAMASCO, and provide sanctuary for witnesses
and survivors. The AFP and the PNP must
investigate and hold accountable those who perpetrated these heinous human
rights violations.
TAMASCO
has clearly said NO already and for so many times! No to the IFMA and the
coffee plantation! No to the continued
harassment and threats! No to the
destruction of their ancestral domains! No to the cultural displacement they
are facing!
The
government must listen and respect the right to say NO! of TAMASCO and all
indigenous communities. (By Danny Arias, Mindanao Campaign
Coordinator)
No comments:
Post a Comment