forces.”13 It added that IPs are often caught in between opposing forces.
5. During internal conflicts, IPs may suffer violence from both sides involved,
without being a belligerent party, themselves. Indigenous communities are
often forced to help armed groups by providing them with food and supplies.
When indigenous communities do so, the opposite armed groups often define
those communities as “enemies,” and commit serious human rights violations
against them.14
6. In this Inquiry, allegations of militarization were raised through:
a. The initial fact-finding report in Cateel, Davao Oriental, on 13-15 July
2015, the results of which were embodied in the position paper submitted
by the SOS Network, and testified to by Mr. Ronnie Garcia of SOS during
the Inquiry;
b. The testimonies of the tribal and support group leaders encamped inside
the UCCP Haran Compound, Davao City, during the Executive Session
between the Commission and the UCCP Bishops on 23 September 2015;
and
c. The testimonies of the Datus and leaders of the support groups during the
public hearing of 24 September 2015.
7. The SOS Network declared that alternative schools, particularly those run
by the STTICLC and the Mindanao Interfaith Schools Foundation, Inc.
(MISFI), have been the subject of militarization since the time the AFP
implemented their peace and order and community development programs
under Oplan Bayanihan in Talaingod. Soldiers and other armed groups,
allegedly the Alamara, used these schools as temporary military camps,
barracks, shelters, outposts, or storage of weapons and belongings.
8. The problem of militarization and encampment in schools compounded
the neglect of the government to fulfill the right of IP children to quality
education. SOS further alleged that, aside from the issue of militarization and
encampment in schools, there were incidents when schools were burned by
soldiers.15
9. The Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10th ID), through its Commander,
Major General Rafael Valencia, submitted its position16 on the issues of: (1)
alleged threats, harassment, and militarization in the areas of Talaingod and
Kapalong, from January to May 2015; (2) alleged encampment by the AFP
at the STTICLC schools and their role in the closure and non-renewal of
permit to the SSTTICLC schools, from January to May 2015; and (3) alleged
13 Ibid.
14 “Utilization of Indigenous Peoples’ Lands by Non-Indigenous Authorities, Groups or Individuals for Military Purposes” Review
of Developments, UN Commission on Human Rights, par.21.
15 SOS Position Paper.
16 During the public inquiry, the Commission directed the AFP to submit pertinent documents relative to the issues subject of
the CHR investigation and public inquiry, which was reiterated in a written Order issued on 10 October 2015. The AFP was
also ordered to submit their position paper responding to specific issues raised against them as indicated in said order. On 12
November 2015, the Commission, thru the CHR-Region XI Office received the AFP compliance with the Order.
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