Some 200 families in several barangays in San Agustin and Lianga were evacuated amidst rains due to a massive military operations against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of the said towns particularly what is known as the Andap Valley Complex. Human rights groups alleged that the military is violating the human rights of the citizens by violating their privacy and forcibly driving them from their homes. The military however belittled the allegations as a way of militant groups to discredit the military.
Below is the joint letter signed by Rev. Modesto Villasanta, spokesperson of UCCP Karapatan in Surigao del Sur and Atty. Antonio Azarcon of the Union of People’s Lawyers Surigao del Sur - Chapter on the story behind the latest military operations in the said province. The open letter was entitled “Another “Mina” in Caraga”
“Another Mina in Caraga
As the nation prepared for “Mina”, the strongest typhoon to possibly hit the country this year, the government is wrecking havoc to the lumad communities in Caraga with its military operations for “mina” (Visayan for mining). Thee lumad communities sit around Andap Valley Complex where the second largest coal deposit rest along with gold and chromite. Andap Valley Complex covers the municipalities of Tago, Cagwait, Marihatag, San Agustin, Lianga and San Miguel where the church, NGO’s and civic groups lumad and peasant communities actively oppose mining.
The military operations led by the 58th Infantry Battalion started last Nov. 1 and continue unabated until present time. Along with 500 soldiers, it brought cannons and armored personnel carriers with Semirara painted on it. They set up camp in the middle of 12 lumad communities. Chinese investors are said to have been exploring the mountainous areas for minerals.
On Nov. 5 at around 12:27 am, an unknown number of military men arrived in Simowao, Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. The teachers were wakened by soldiers asking for sleeping accommodations at the Simowao Tribal School which is run by the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao Sur Inc.. Another group arrived on Nov. 10 at around 3 am dawn. Without the permission of the community and the teachers in charge, military elements set up camp at the Simowao Tribal Filipino Community School staying for the whole day. On November 15, 2007, military men arrived in Kabuluhan, San Agustin, destroyed the lock of the teacher’s cottage of the Lumad Community School and proceeded to encamp in the said building.
Soldiers, averaging 3-4 lived under homes, around it, even sleeping beside community members in the communities of Kabuluhan, Lagangan, Han-ayan, Mike, KM. 16, Simowao, Emerald, Panukmoan, Manluy-a in Diatagon, Lianga; and Yadawan, Magkahunao and neighboring communities in San Agustin, all of Surigao del Sur.
Teachers, community members even the children were warned that if they (military) will be bombed, they will harm the civilians.
The military set up checkpoints in Simowao and Emerald, the entry points of other communities. Activities of local residents were monitored. They were asked for their names, present their IDs and/or cedulas. Bags and belongings were checked. On Nov. 12 at around 9 am, military checkpoints become more strict. A list of names and cell phone numbers were made by the military. Motor drivers were asked for their names, driver’s license and motor vehicle serial numbers.
Pupils aging between 7-10 year old about to attend classes were not spared. They were interrogated if they seen men bringing guns and if they have elder brothers or sisters who has joined the New People’s Army (NPA) and that they must surrender. Military personnel who lived in the houses of residents frequently ask questions from the children on their involvement with the New People’s Army.
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Evacuation of families from far flung communities came in trickles. Last Nov. 12, five families from Panukmoan went to Manluy-a and sought sanctuary with the community for fear of the military operation. Others from neighboring communities went to Han-ayan, Emerald, and Simowao. Last November 17, more than 40 families evacuated from Magkahunao to Hanipaan, Buhisan, Sto. Nino, and Kauswagan in San Agustin. On Nov. 21, nine lmad communities evacuated to Diatagon but around 21 families in Manluy-a Panukmoan and Sudon were prevented by the military from going to Simowao and going with the evacuation. To date 11 lumad communities have evacuated to Diatagon, Lianga and San Agustin. Evacuees now total 254 families or 1,511 individuals with 492 students affected.
With natural calamities, we can only prepare for the worst. But man made calamities brought about by military operations that threaten and endanger lives, affects livelihood and victimizes thousands can be avoided. Military operations should not endanger civilians. Human rights should be respected at all times.”
June 5, 2008 at 8:13 am
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