DAR releases P70-M for
FMR projects in Palo
![groundbreaking of Palo FMR projects](palo-fmr-projects.jpg)
Department
of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Eastern Visayas Regional Director,
Robert Anthony Yu, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
Leyte First Engineering District Assistant District
Engineer, Ade Ray Mate, and Mayor Remedios Petilla lead the
groundbreaking activities for the two farm-to-market road
project in Palo, Leyte. |
By
JOSE ALSMITH L.
SORIA
January 31, 2024
PALO, Leyte –
Residents of three farming villages in this town will soon enjoy a
concrete road following the groundbreaking activities in Barangay
Cangumbang for two road concreting projects funded under the
Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF).
On Monday, January 22,
lawyer, Robert Anthony Yu, Regional Director of the Department of
Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas, together with engineer,
Ade Ray Mate, Assistant District Engineer of the Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte First Engineering District,
and Mayor Remedios Petilla, led the groundbreaking activities for
the concreting of the 4.10 kilometers Cangumbang-San Agustin and 1.5
kilometers San Agustin-Cabarasan Daku farm-to-market roads (FMRs).
Yu in his message shared
that intervention for FMRs is among the nine priorities of Agrarian
Secretary Conrado Estrella III and among the top agenda of the
Marcos administration.
He further said that two
of the five FMR projects that are for implementation this year in
Leyte are in this town with a combined project cost of P70 million.
In appreciation, Petilla
expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his
effort to concretize all roads to make it easier for the local
government units (LGUs) to maintain them and much easier for the
farmers to plant and to bring their products to the markets.
She also thanked DAR for
the many projects provided to her municipality. She disclosed that
this road was constructed under DAR’s Agrarian Reform Communities
Project (ARCP) in 2014.
Municipal Agrarian Reform
Program Officer (MARPO), Edgar Cabaluna, said that more than 600
agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in these areas are expected to
benefit from these projects.
Meanwhile, Barangay
Cangumbang Chairwoman, Feona Retes, was very grateful that finally
their problem on their road is now being addressed. According to
her, motorists find it hard to transport their products and
schoolchildren from their village which is three kilometers away
from the town proper.
8ID shooters dominates
the Tactical Combat Shooting Competition 2024 of the Bureau of
Corrections
![Bucor shooting competition](bucor-shooting-competition.jpg)
By
DPAO, 8ID PA
January 30, 2024
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City, Samar – The members of 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers”
Division, Philippine Army’s shooting team has clinched the overall
champion in the recently concluded Tactical Combat Shooting
Competition 2024 held at the Leyte Regional Prison Firing Range,
Barangay Cagbolo, Abuyog, Leyte.
The competition is in
connection with the 51st Founding Anniversary of the Leyte Regional
Prison and was participated in by 20 teams comprising 100 skilled
shooters from across the region.
The 8ID Shooters showcased
their exceptional shooting skills as they dominated various
categories of the competition.
In the Lady Category,
Corporal Maria Glory Mae Pombo of 8ID, emerged as the Champion
besting 10 other lady shooters with her exceptional skills and
precision in shooting. Her performance underscores that women can
also excel in the field of combat shooting.
The Stormtroopers Shooters
also secured the Championship and the First Runner-Up positions in
the Classic Division Category; Sergeant Jonathan Balisbis, as the
Champion and Staff Sergeant Rey Ilagan as the first runner-up under
the said category.
Moreover, Captain
Jefferson Mariano, also a member of the Stormtroopers Shooters,
clinched the 2nd Runner-up position besting 80 other shooters in the
Production Division Category.
The Commander of 8th
Infantry Division, Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo commended the
outstanding performance of the Stormtroopers Shooters as they were
hailed as the overall champion in the Tactical Combat Shooting
Competition 2024.
“My warmest
congratulations to our 8ID shooters who showcased their exceptional
skills and precision in the field of tactical shooting, their
performance is a testament on their dedication, trainings, and
teamwork. I am confident that our team can also dominate other
competitions not just in region,” Maj.Gen. Ligayo expressed.
Setting sail on a
shared journey: NMP and MARINA enhance collaboration
![NMP and MARINA collaboration](nmp-marina-colab.jpg)
By
National Maritime
Polytechnic
January 30, 2024
TACLOBAN CITY –
Marking a significant step toward enhancing the maritime sector's
quality and capabilities, the NMP Team, headed by Executive Director
Victor A. Del Rosario, met with the newly-installed Maritime
Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan on 30
January 2024 at the MARINA Main Office in Port Area, Manila. This
visit underscores a reinforced commitment to collaborative training
and research efforts, crucial for the advancement of the Philippine
maritime industry.
During the meeting, there
was a significant focus on the development of training programs,
particularly in trainers’ training, as emphasized by MARINA. This
initiative is designed to enhance the skills of domestic seafarers,
especially those operating ships under 500 gross tonnage (GT) and
using 750 kHz frequencies, and to capacitate them for eventual
employment abroad, reinforcing their role as a source of skilled
foreign employment. Improving these training programs is expected to
elevate standards and safety practices within the domestic shipping
sector. Additionally, the discussion included the joint development
of capabilities for MARINA staff with NMP, ensuring the institution
continues to lead in maritime regulatory excellence and service.
The collaboration further
extends to research endeavors. MARINA and NMP explored consolidating
Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) to improve the implementation and
monitoring of NMP’s three existing research-related MOAs. MARINA
expressed a strong interest in broadening collaborative research,
recognizing its critical role in advancing maritime knowledge and
practices. The Philippine Maritime Manpower Factbook, produced by
NMP with MARINA as a data contributor, is slated for enhancements.
This initiative is a component of NMP's Maritime Resource Center and
complements MARINA’s digitalization efforts, aiming to deliver
timely and relevant data to industry stakeholders.
Furthermore, Administrator
Malaluan referred to the reviewed Maritime Industry Development Plan
(MIDP) that was presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. This
plan outlines the research areas designated for both NMP and MARINA,
ensuring their joint efforts are in sync with the national strategy
for maritime industry development.
Accompanying NMP ED Del
Rosario were other key NMP officials, demonstrating the depth of the
institution's involvement and commitment to this collaboration.
Present at the meeting were Capt. Chito A. Go, OIC-Head, Maritime
Training and Assessment Division; Ms. Elena M. Santos, OIC-Head,
Maritime Research and Development Division; and Ms. Evelyn T. Futol,
OIC-Head, NMP Manila Office.
Soldiers capture
Communist NPA Terrorist, unearth arms cache in a clash in Northern
Samar
![recovered arms](recovered-arms.jpg)
By
DPAO, 8ID PA
January 29, 2024
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City, Samar – Troops of the 43rd Infantry "We Search" Battalion,
8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division, Philippine Army, captured a
Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) after an encounter in the hinterlands
of Barangay Palanit, San Isidro, Northern Samar, last January 27,
2024.
The captured CNT is
identified as alias Doming/Nitoy, a member of Squad 1, Sub-Regional
Guerilla Unit (SRGU), Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, Eastern
Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) who have a standing warrant
of arrest for the crime of murder issued by the Regional Trial Court
Branch 20 on October 10, 2015.
Prior to the encounter,
the troops conducted a focused military operation after receiving
information from the residents about the presence of an armed group
conducting extortion activities in the said barangay, when they were
fired upon by the group of a certain alias Doming. After the
firefight, alias Doming was abandoned by his comrades who was
subsequently captured by the government troops.
The captured CNT during an
interview revealed the location of an arms cache of the CNTs in the
hinterlands of Sitio Kahidwangan, Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro,
Northern Samar. Seized were an M16 rifle and a short plastic
magazine.
The Commanding Officer of
the 43IB, Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Arojo, attributed the success of
the operation to the timely and relevant information provided by the
residents. He acknowledged that the cooperation of the residents led
to the capture of alias Doming and the recovery of the arms cache
containing high-powered firearm.
"This is a clear
indication that the community appreciates the efforts of the
government and has decided to support the fight of ending the local
communist armed conflict," Lt. Col. Arojo said.
Meanwhile, the Commanding
General of the 8th Infantry Division, Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo,
also encouraged the remaining CNTs and the community to unite and
work together towards socio-economic development.
"Let's give peace a
chance. Let us join hands and find solutions to our problems. There
is no need for armed struggle. The government has programs anchored
in the NTF-ELCAC where all government agencies and other
stakeholders provide solutions to the problems especially in the
vulnerable areas and sectors in society," Maj. Gen. Ligayo
expressed.
BOI awards green lane
for P22.6-B floating solar power project in Nueva Ecija
![floating solar power project in Nueva Ecija](floating-solar-power-project.jpg)
Making
It Happen with Fuego Renewable Energy Corp. – Board of
Investments (BOI) Governor Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego (fifth
from left) awarded the Green Lane Certificate of Endorsement
to Mr. Aristotle Natividad (fourth from left), President of
FREC, at the BOI Main Office. |
By
DTI-Board of
Investments
January 29, 2024
MAKATI CITY –
Making more investments in renewable energy happen in the
Philippines, the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) granted the
green lane certificate for the floating solar power project of Fuego
Renewable Energy Corp. (FREC) that will soon rise in Pantabangan,
Nueva Ecija.
BOI Governor Marjorie
Ramos-Samaniego handed the Green Lane Certificate of Endorsement to
Mr. Aristotle Natividad, President of FREC, in a brief awarding
ceremony on January 18, 2024.
The company is set to
build the Pantabangan Floating Solar Power Plant, a 463.995
megawatts (MWac) floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Nueva
Ecija. The project has an initial investment cost of P22.6 billion.
Spanning 500 hectares on
Pantabangan Lake, the project is scheduled for commissioning in
2025, with its energy output destined for export to the National
Grid.
Notably, the project site
is located within the Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed Forest
Reserve (PCWR). The location of the transmission lines and other
facilities onshore will fall under the protected area/watershed
classification.
On the economic side, the
project will be beneficial to Filipinos, as it will generate up to
2,000 temporary and permanent direct job employment opportunities
during the Project’s construction, commissioning, operations, and
maintenance.
“With this green lane
endorsement, let us cooperate to make sure that this project will be
in operation by 2025” Governor Ramos-Samaniego told the FREC
officials.
In response, Mr. Natividad
praised the green lane for expediting the process for the projects
concerning renewable energy in the Philippines.
“This is our 4th green
lane certificate in our portfolio, and we have experienced positive
responsiveness of government agencies and institutions in our
various permitting needs. With this latest green lane endorsement,
we expect to achieve the same results and materialize our project at
the soonest. We are very thankful to President Marcos and the BOI
for creating policies that make our country an attractive and
efficient market to do business,” Mr. Natividad said.
FREC is composed of Ignis
Energy Philippines, Inc. (IEP), ZA Global Partnerships, Corp. (ZA
Global), and Tierra Sol Local Landholdings Corp. IEP acts as the
technical provider while ZA Global is a prominent Philippine-based
renewable energy developer. Tierra Sol engages in real estate
activities and has made investments in four power generation
companies in 2022.
Executive Order No. 18,
approved on February 24 last year, established green lanes within
government agencies. With green lanes, through OSAC-SI, the process
to grant permits and licenses for strategic energy investments in
the country will be expedited.
OSAC-SI issues endorsement
letters to the DOE, NGAs, and LGUs, designating projects as
strategic investments and ensuring swift processing within
prescribed timelines under EO 18.
KARAPATAN lauds UN
Special Rapporteur Irene Khan for visiting political prisoners in
Tacloban City Jail
Press Release
January 27, 2024
QUEZON CITY – "We
are grateful that UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and
Expression Irene Khan was able to visit three political prisoners –
campus journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, KARAPATAN human rights worker
Alexander Philip Abinguna, and Rural Missionaries of the Philippines
staff Marielle Domequil – in Tacloban City Jail today. Their unjust
arrest and detention, since February 2020, is one of most glaring
cases of how far the policy and practice of red-tagging, filing of
trumped up charges, and political imprisonment and persecution is
used against frontliners for freedom of expression and opinion in
the country," Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said on
Saturday.
The rights group
reiterated the call for the release of Cumpio, Abinguna and Domequil,
who were arrested and detained at the height of the crackdown
against activists after the signing of Executive Order 70, which led
to the formation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist
Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
"The Philippine government
is trying so hard to turn the tables on Cumpio, Abinguna and
Domequil, along with other victims of trumped up charges and unjust
arrest, by demonizing them and treating them as criminals, making
every possible move to deny them of their rights and freedoms,
prolonging their detention, and preventing local and international
observers to visit them in jail or monitor their court hearings. We
hope that with Ms. Khan’s visit, their voices will continue to be
heard," said Palabay.
Trumped up charges using
counter-terror legislation were later filed against Cumpio and
Domequil by the NTF-ELCAC. The Anti-Money Laundering Council issued
Resolution No. TF-27 on May 28, 2020 in relation to the cash amount
of P557,360.00 which was seized by elements of the Philippine
National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG)
while they were planting firearms and explosives in Cumpio and
Domequil's office in Tacloban City on February 7, 2020.
The Department of Justice,
on September 30, 2021, issued a resolution finding probable cause to
indict Cumpio and Domequil for violation of Section 8 of Republic
Act No. 10168 or "Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression
Act." In the complaint by the AMLC Financial Crimes Investigation
Group, Cumpio and Domequil were falsely accused of "facilitating the
distribution of funds and other logistical supplies, such as
ammunition, to members of the CPP-NPA," in a mountainous area in San
Andres, Catbalogan City, Samar sometime in March 2019.
The three activists were
arrested in simultaneous pre-dawn raids on February 7, 2020.
Notably, however, this criminal complaint on RA 10168 seems to have
been filed as a retaliatory measure after Cumpio and Domequil
demanded the return of the money which was inside a safety deposit
box in the raided office. The money, which was intended for
distribution to the beneficiaries of a humanitarian project, was not
included in the inventory of items seized, and neither was it
specified as among the items to be seized in the search warrant.
Cumpio and Domequil had no record of any suspicious transactions
that would have triggered an investigation under RA10168.
The AFP and the NTF-ELCAC
later branded Cumpio and Domequil as secretary of the "Regional
White Area Committee" and "CPP-NPA finance officers" in a press
briefing and in social media posts. Functionaries of the NTF-ELCAC
have also reportedly staged some activities near the facility where
the three are detained, while Khan was visiting them.
"Despite the government's
continued red-tagging against Cumpio, Abinguna and Domequil at the
same time claiming that freedom of expression is alive in the
Philippines, glaring are the cases of how this government makes a
mockery of its signed human rights conventions and agreements that
are supposed to guarantee the rights of the people. But, as with the
Marcos Jr. administration, they have exposed themselves as
responsible for the sorry state of human rights in the country,"
said Palabay.
Army Commander visits
8ID, commends operational readiness of Eastern Visayas soldiers
![Army Commander visit to 8ID](cgpa-visit-8ID.jpg)
By
DPAO, 8ID PA
January 24, 2024
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City, Samar – The Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA),
Lieutenant General Roy M. Galido visited the troops of 8th Infantry
Division on January 24, 2024.
During the visit, CGPA
personally inspected the facilities of the 8th Infantry Division and
was briefed on the status of peace and security in the region which
provides an opportunity to discuss strategic plans and operational
capabilities that will further enhance the troops’ efforts in
maintaining peace and stability within 8ID’s area of responsibility.
In his message during the
Talk to Troops, Lieutenant General Galido reiterated his Command
thrusts encapsulated in the acronym “ARMY”: Soldiers to Always pray
to seek divine guidance in their daily activities; Reliable,
Responsive, Relevant to address the needs of the nation;
Mission-oriented to strengthen the troops’ morale; Yield personal
interests and comforts for unity, the Army, the AFP, and the nation.
Based on the Command’s
thrust, he focused on the importance of being mission-oriented and
ensuring the morale of the troops.
“Morale for me is the
proper environment for us to work properly, proper tools for us to
do our job well. And more importantly, the morale that we need to be
more passionate in our work. ‘Yong isang environment na gusto ko na
ma-create natin ay ang environment of respect,” Lt.Gen. Galido
expressed.
CGPA also expressed
gratitude to the diligence and dedication to duty of the troops and
the Civilian Human Resource (CHR) of 8ID.
“I would like to thank you
[troops], despite the situation, alam ninyo ang kahirapan ng
pagiging sundalo pero nag volunteer pa rin kayo. Pati na rin sa
Civilian [Human Resource], it’s very hard to render service in the
military organization dahil crossroad kayo, mina-manage kayo ng
military mind at civilian kayo, napakahirap. Thank you for
volunteering and rendering service, maging sa kasundalohan,nag-volunteer
kayo na mag serbisyo kaya ako’y nagpapasalamat,” Lt.Gen. Galido
expressed.
CGPA also emphasized the
importance of maintaining the highest standards of military
professionalism and reinforced the troops’ commitment to excellence
and strengthening spiritual connection with God Almighty.
Moreover, CGPA spearheaded
the awarding of the Gold Cross Medal and Silver Cross Medal to
troops who made an exceptional contribution to the overall campaign
of the organization.
Meanwhile Maj.Gen. Ligayo
attributed the success of 8ID’s operation to the past Commanders of
8ID, Major General Pio Diñoso and Major General Edgardo De Leon
whose efforts during their stint as Commanders contributed to the
present success of the unit. He also recognized the impact of the
implementation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist
Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) which entices rebel returnees and in the
overall campaign of ending the local communist armed conflict.
After his visit to the 8ID
Headquarters, CGPA proceeded to the 801st Infantry Brigade,
continuing his engagement with the troops.
In addition to boosting
the morale of the troops, the purpose of the Commanding General
Philippine Army’s visit is to assess the operational readiness and
capabilities of the 8ID. He also ensures that the Division is
aligned with the overall goals of the Philippine Army.
First ONE Visayas
Creative Expo showcases the best of Regions 6, 7, and 8
![ONE Visayas Creative Expo](one-visayas-creative-expo.jpg)
(From
L) Ms. Melanie Ng, Chairperson, EDC Region VII; DOT VI RD
Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, Hon. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez,
RDC VI Chairperson; Hon. Arthur Defensor Jr., Iloilo
Governor; Atty. Jobert Penaflorida, RDC VI Co-Chairperson
and Mr. Allan Ryan Tan, Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI)
President raise the Senior Sto. Niño as part of the opening
ceremony of the ONE Visayas Creative Expo on January 22,
2024 at SM City, Iloilo. |
By
DTI-Regional
Operations Group
January 24, 2024
ILOILO CITY – The
vibrant and diverse culture of the Visayas region takes center stage
as the first-ever ONE Visayas Creative Expo opened its doors at SM
City Iloilo on January 22, 2024. With more than 50 exhibitors
hailing from Regions 6, 7, and 8, the week-long expo promises to be
a celebration of the best products, destinations, and festivals that
the Visayan islands have to offer.
The Creative Expo 2024 is
a culmination of the One Visayas initiative led by the Regional
Development Councils in the Visayas, supported by the chambers of
PCCI Visayas and the Buy Local, Go Lokal initiative of the DTI. It
serves as a strong follow-through to the Go Lokal Kabisay-an
Nakatundan Fair during the 2023 Private Sector Representatives
National Convention in Iloilo City.
Marievic Bonoan, Director
of DTI's Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotions, highlighted the
success of the 2023 Go Lokal Kabisay-an Nakatundan Fair, generating
a remarkable 1.48 million in sales. “Following the successful
initiative, we are joining hands once again for the One Visayas
Creative Expo 2024 Go Lokal Go Visayas which will feature MSMEs from
all the three regions of the Visayas representing the sectors from
infrastructure, communications, tourism, agriculture and trade and
industry,” said Dir. Bonoan in a virtual message.
The PCCI in the Visayas
(Regions 6, 7, and 8) has unanimously passed a resolution supporting
the One Visayas Creative Expo in time for the Dinagyang celebration
on January 22-28, 2024. The Dinagyang Festival is anticipated to
draw over a million spectators, mostly tourists.
The expo aims to raise
awareness of Go Lokal as a retail brand for innovative and
high-quality products from our local MSMEs, aligning with the DTI’s
mandate to promote the efficient marketing of local products.
The Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI) Region VI is one of the organizers of the event,
in collaboration with the PCCI Western Visayas and RDC VI. The expo
aims to provide a larger platform for local products and promote
them on the international stage.
Hon. Alfredo Abelardo
Benitez, Chairperson of RDC VI and City Mayor of Bacolod, emphasized
the significance of ONE Visayas in providing opportunities for
regional development. "The challenge is for the Regional Development
Council together with the Department of Trade and Industry to take
the lead in providing bigger platforms for our products and
promoting them internationally," Mayor Benitez stated during the
opening ceremony.
Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida,
PCCI Western Visayas governor, emphasized the collaboration among
the three Visayan regions. "We would like to strengthen the
collaboration of all three regions of the Visayas. This aims to be
the starting point, but we intend to roadshow this in all the areas
of the Visayas. So Iloilo will take the initiative at this point,"
he explained.
The exhibit areas at SM
City Iloilo's activity center was filled with the best products,
showcasing the collaboration of DTI Western Visayas with its
counterparts in Central and Eastern Visayas. The Department of
Tourism, the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources are also actively participating in the expo,
among others.
The opening program
featured key festivals celebrated in honor of Señior Santo Niño,
adding a cultural touch to the event. "For the first time, this is
bringing under one roof Regions 6, 7, and 8 under One Visayas
because that’s our goal – to really push to get interconnected. We
have a lot of opportunities and potential as a region," said Atty.
Peñaflorida.
The ONE Visayas Creative
Expo 2024 which runs until January 28 is poised to be a landmark
event, showcasing the rich tapestry of the Visayan culture while
providing a platform for economic growth and international
collaboration.
Katribu meets with UN
SR on Freedom of Expression
Press Release
January 24, 2024
QUEZON CITY – On
January 23, Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas,
alongside other civil society organizations, met with UN Special
Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Irene Khan, to
discuss the current situation of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) in the
Philippines relative to her mandate.
Beverly Longid, the
national convenor of Katribu, emphasized the violations of of the
Indigenous Peoples’ freedom of expression should be taken in the
context of the assertion of their right to lands and
self-determination such as the manipulation of the Free, Prior, and
Informed Consent (FPIC) due to the construction of extractive
industries and energy projects within ancestral domains. “This
deceptive practice undermines the genuine consent of affected
Indigenous communities, encroaches upon their right to participate
in decisions impacting them actively, distorts our collective will,
and significantly weakens our capacity to oppose projects resulting
in cultural and economic displacement and environmental
degradation,” Longid said.
Longid added that, aside
from FPIC violations in the construction of destructive projects on
IP lands, the ongoing vilification of Indigenous Peoples through
red-tagging and terrorist designations also undermines their right
to FPIC. “Political vilification is often accompanied by
militarization and bombings of communities, jeopardizing our
physical safety, creating fear, and restricting our ability to voice
concerns and participate in decision-making processes.”
Known cases of FPIC
violations among dam projects built on Indigenous lands include the
Kaliwa Dam along the Sierra Mountain Range, the Gened Dams in Apayao,
and the Jalaur Dam in Iloilo. “In most cases, the National
Commission on Indigenous Peoples fabricates the FPIC documents of
Indigenous Peoples affected. They use the tactic of deception and
misrepresentation among the IP in order to push through the
construction of these destructive projects,” Longid stated.
During the dialogue,
Longid reiterated the roles of the National Task Force to End Local
Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and the Anti-Terrorism Act of
2020 in the infringement of the Indigenous Peoples' expression and
assertion of their rights to genuine development and
self-determination. "The number of attacks targeting Indigenous
Peoples surpasses the recognition of rights that the government
should be allowing us to enjoy. We are not criminals; we are not
terrorists. However, the government considers us as such even when
we are only exercising our rights to live and develop our lands,"
Longid expressed.
The #DearIreneKhan letter
prepared by Longid corroborated with Katribu’s recommendations to
the Special Rapporteur, emphasizing the need to protect the freedom
of expression of Indigenous Peoples through genuine Free, Prior and
Informed Consent (FPIC), cessation of red-tagging and
terrorist-labeling, repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Law, rescindment of
terrorist designations, and suspension of militarization and
bombings in communities.
Download:
#DearIreneKhan letter