AS WE, Indigenous organizations and advocates, come together to celebrate Tribal Filipino Week, we pay tribute to our rich cultures and heritage, which are fundamental aspects of our identity.
Amidst the festivities, we acknowledge the daunting challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples (IP) nationwide. It is a somber reality that even in times of celebration, many endure unimaginable hardships, enduring human rights violations in the form of judicial harassment, militarization, killings, abductions, and torture.
These grievous acts threaten our communities, aiming to silence our voices and suppress our rightful demands for justice and equality.
During these trying times, we strengthen our campaigns and demand the safe return of those who have disappeared and the release of those unjustly detained.
The increasing incidents of abductions within the Indigenous Peoples sector are deeply alarming, as is the government’s silence and refusal to cooperate. Dexter Capuyan and Bazoo de Jesus remain missing after five months, and just last month, the military abducted three more IP advocates — Alia Encela, Jimby del Monte, and Job David. Just like Mary Joyce Lizada and Arnulfo Aumentado, also IP defenders, they are still detained in an army camp after being abducted by them.
Yet, in the face of adversity, our resolve and solidarity remain unyielding. Together, we stand tall against attacks that seek to suppress our voices and stifle our demands for justice and equality. It is a testament to our collective strength that we unite, unwavering in our commitment to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and for self-determination.
We are bound by a shared purpose, understanding that an attack on one of us is an affront to us all.
This year’s Tribal Filipino Week challenges us to strengthen our campaigns and alliances for genuine freedom. We reiterate our calls to stop all attacks against Indigenous Peoples.
We urge everyone to join us in amplifying the call to locate missing IP activists and advocates and to secure the safe release of those who are unlawfully detained. – KATRIBU (Kalipunan ng Katutubong MAmamayan ng Pilipinas)
