IPMSDL: the Lumads are determined to continue their struggle to defend their ancestral land and rights

Solidarity Message of Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation

The Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL) extends its solidarity and support to the launching of Solidarity Action Group for Indigenous Peoples and Peasants (SAGIPP).

In subservience to imperialist dictates, the Philippine government has long allowed the entry and operations of foreign large corporations, making way for large mining operations, often guised as “reforestation” projects managed by private logging concessionaires, agribusiness plantation expansions and coal-fired power plants constructions. This has caused the forced displacement of indigenous communities. In Mindanao, the Lumads are under intensified military attacks, environmental plunder, exploitation of resources, and human rights violations – these offensives did not spare our Manobo brothers and sisters who are still seeking refuge at the UCCP Haran for the past three months in fear of continued harassment by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Philippine government has always ignored these struggles and neglected the situation of the indigenous peoples. Worse, indigenous peoples suffer from gross human rights violations perpetrated by their own government. The most recent incident was on July 23, 2015, were police forced open the Haran gates to force the Manobos to go aboard buses that will take them back to their communities. This is all under Rep. Nancy Catamco’s order, the current chairperson of the Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples. This is just one of the cases of gross violation of human rights to the Lumad.

Amidst all of these, the Lumads are determined to continue their struggle to defend their ancestral land and rights. The establishment of SAGIPP presents an important avenue for advocates, organizations and networks to unite and support the Lumads in their struggle to protect land and life.

The IPMSDL, enjoins all Indigenous Peoples’ communities to heighten efforts to protect our ancestral lands, life and culture; and advocates and international supporters to strengthen their solidarity in this struggle.

Defend our land and national patrimony!
Assert our right to self-determination and national sovereignty!
Long live International solidarity!