UNITY STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE MANOBO-PULANGIYON ANCESTRAL LAND REPOSSESSION
The Manobo-Pulangiyon (MP) Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC), with around 1,490 family members, has endured over a century of land grabbing, beginning in the early 1900s when the Manolo Fortich family seized their ancestral lands, later transferring use to Kiantig Development Corporation (KDC). Although KDC's agreement expired in 2018 and the tribe secured a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT-261) in 2023, the land remains contested. The MP ICC faces ongoing threats, including gunfire and intimidation, as they plan to reclaim their domain on October 21, 2024. However, government agencies, particularly the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), have failed to provide legal orders ensuring their security.
Thus, we, the undersigned organizations, express our unwavering solidarity with the Manobo-Pulangiyon in their rightful struggle to reclaim their ancestral lands. For over a century, the tribe has been unjustly displaced and subjected to violence, yet they continue to stand firm in defense of their land and heritage. Their fight is not merely about ancestral land but about dignity, identity, and justice.
We denounce the continuing harassment and vilification of the MP people, particularly the false accusations labeling them as insurgents. Such dangerous rhetoric serves only to further marginalize the ICC and justify violent actions against them. We call on local authorities and all relevant institutions to uphold their duty to protect indigenous peoples and ensure a peaceful and just repossession of the land.
It is deeply troubling that the NCIP has yet to fulfill its mandate to issue the necessary legal orders, including the writ of execution and security provisions for the ICC. Their inaction puts the lives of the Manobo-Pulangiyon people in grave danger. We call on the NCIP, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to act swiftly to safeguard the rights of the tribe and prevent further violence.
It is deeply troubling that the NCIP has yet to fulfill its mandate to issue the necessary legal orders, including the writ of execution and security provisions for the ICC. Their inaction puts the lives of the Manobo-Pulangiyon people in grave danger. We call on the NCIP, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to act swiftly to safeguard the rights of the tribe and prevent further violence.
As the Manobo-Pulangiyon indigenous cultural community stands on the cusp of repossessing their ancestral domain, we affirm our commitment to supporting their cause. We urge all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful process and provide the necessary emergency support in the form of food, water, medicine, and shelter. The struggle of the Manobo-Pulangiyon is a reminder that the fight for indigenous rights is far from over. We stand with them in this critical moment and pledge to continue advocating for justice, peace, and the rightful return of their land.
We will not waver in our support for the Manobo-Pulangiyon. Their fight for justice is a call to action, and we will stand firm until their rightful claim to their ancestral land is secured. Injustice will not prevail.
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