Network to support tribal people in Mindanao launched

Group aims to send out 'urgent alerts' on rights violations.

Tribal leaders perform an indigenous ritual during the Dec. 10 launch of the friends of the lumad project in Cagayan de Oro, the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of the Rural Missionaries)

Cagayan de Oro City:  A network that will monitor and take concrete action against violations of tribal people's rights in Mindanao was launched Dec. 10 following a series of attacks on tribal communities in the region.

Dubbed "friends of the lumad," the group aims to conduct "quick response activities" once a violation of tribal rights is reported, said Sister Maria Fatima Somogod of the Missionary Sisters of Mary congregation.

"I am glad that despite the attack on the lumad, many are still convinced that what we are fighting for is right," said Sister Somogod said.

At least 4,000 tribal people continue to live in makeshift shelters in the province of Surigao del Sur for fear of attacks on their communities by paramilitary groups.

Sister Somogod, who has been working with the lumad, the collective name of the tribal people of Mindanao, said the most pressing issues indigenous peoples in Mindanao face at present are extrajudicial killings.

"There is impunity because no perpetrators have been brought to justice," said Somogod who has been promoting tribal people's rights through the "Healing the Hurt" project.

The nun said the "friends of the lumad" network will play a "strong protective role" for a tribal leader or community member under attack.

"It can release urgent alerts," she said, adding that the network also can serve as a hub for religious leaders and interfaith organizations to "synergize" their respective professional expertise and resources in the service tribal communities.

Source: UCAN