TSAP TSAP REPUBLIC
Tribal leaders seek autonomous region
By Ma. Cecilia Rodriguez
Mindanao Bureau
First Posted 02:31:00 08/26/2008
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Fired up by the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) that would govern an expanded Bangsamoro homeland, the lumad (indigenous peoples in Mindanao) are seeking an autonomous region for themselves. At a gathering here Monday of around 200 representatives of 13 indigenous peoples’ communities in Mindanao and Palawan, several tribal leaders called for the creation of an Autonomous Region for the Lumad of Mindanao.
The convenors said the meeting was held “in the spirit of finding a peaceful solution to the issue.” The community representatives who participated in the meeting mostly came from the affected lumad territory identified under Categories A and B of the BJE area as stipulated in the MOA.
The participants included Subanen, Higaonon, Talaandig, Armunanen Manobo, Ubo Manobo, Manobo Pulangiyon, Dulangan Manobo, Teduray-Upi, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, Lambangian, Blaan, Tboli, Tagakaolo, Bagobo, Banwaon, Mamanwa, Tagbanua, Mandaya, Mansaka, Ata-Manobo and Mangguangan.
Human rights activists have considered Mindanao a significant terrain for the indigenous peoples’ struggle for recognition and self-determination.
I hope the Lumads will not think about seceding.
