By LITO RULONA,
Correspondent
Kalumbay Lumad Organization condemned, yesterday, the statement issued the 8th Infantry Battalion (8th IB) that the presence of the military unit in Camansi and Tapul in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental is part of the consultation process through their “bayanihan program.”
Secretary General of Kalumbay Roger Plana told Gold Star Daily that the presence of the military in the said areas is to track down members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and to sabotage the indigenous people in protecting their remaining lands.
“Nasayod kita nga sumpay kini sa pagsulod sa interes sa mina, plantasyon ug uban pang proyekto nga kontra katawhan ug kontra kinaiyahan,” said Plana.
He said military soldiers wanted to introduce division among tribal groups and offered to become members of the paramiltary units and later become “security” personnel on the entry of big corporation and mining firms.
Earlier, 1Lt. Janine Diaz, 8th IB spokesperson said soldiers were sent to Tapol and Banglay even as the Army beefed up forces in Sitio Lantad, Barangay Kibanban in Balingasag town. The purpose, she said, is “bayanihan.”
She said military personnel were brings development and helping-out programs to the remote and hinterland barangays in the area. She dismissed reports that soldiers have been harassing civilians.
The allegation, she said, is part of a black propaganda against the military in an effort to cause the pullout of troops from these areas. Diaz said intelligence reports indicate that some indigenes have been influenced by rebels.
In a press statement, Plana supports the call of the residents from Camansi and Tapol to pull-out army personnel coming from 8th IB, special forces, para-military units belonging to the 4th ID Philippine Army;
Other demands include to prevent military personnel encampment within the barangay and to prevent the installation of military and paramilitary detachment within the community.
Plana said they also support the call of the lumads that local government units of Lagonglong and provincial capitol to extend security, food and medicines while they seek refuge at the Lagonglong gym and Provincial Capitol grounds.
“Tabangan usab sila nga ma-monitor paglapas sa tawhanong katungod isip katawhang lumad ug marespeto ang among katungod sa kaugali-ngong paghukom,” he said.
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