By ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO
The construction of dams has always been opposed because of their destructive effects on whole communities. Several anti-dam leaders have been killed as a result. The recent devastation by the dams of Luzon proved that they were right all along.
By ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO
Far from a counter-insurgency operation, the massive militarization and dislocation of communities in Surigao del Sur and the Caraga region had more to do with protecting business interests, primarily mining and energy investments. Although there is nothing particularly new in all this, the Arroyo regime had actually taken the extra step to ensure that the military would act as veritable security guards of these companies.
By ALDWIN QUITASOL Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat.com BAGUIO CITY — The 17th of this month marks one year since James Balao, Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) founding member was abducted by suspected military agents. The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA), Balao’s family and friends called for mabtad and reiterated their demand for government to stop…
By WENDY ATUBAN Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat.com BAGUIO CITY — A newly forged alliance of indigenous students of the University of the Philippines system threw its support to the Katribu party list. Katribu aims to represent the issues and concerns of the indigenous people in the Philippines. The UP Dalikan, an alliance of indigenous…
By ALDWIN QUITASOL Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat.com LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Some 250 indigenous peoples, mostly of Kankana-ey-Bago tribe, from Gambang, Bakun successfully stopped the supposed signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will pave the way for the entry of Australian mining firm Royalco Philippines Inc. into their ancestral territory. The Bakun…
By RONALYN V. OLEA
While the right of indigenous peoples to their ancestral land is recognized by international agreements and conventions, indigenous peoples in the Philippines are relentlessly being driven away by mining, tourism and other so-called development projects. In Zambales alone, more than 70 mining firms are now operating, with some preventing the Aetas from entering what used to be their land.
MANILA – On Aug. 9 last year, 25 indigenous peoples groups from all over the country gathered together to form the Katribu party list, in time for the commemoration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. Nelson Mallari, chairman of Central Luzon Aeta Association (CLAA), said indigenous peoples in the Philippines continue to…
Lumads of Surigao: Home at Last
By ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO
The Manobos of Surigao del Sur may be back home for now, but they still face the threats of militarization – even as they also have to contend with the burden of rebuilding their ravaged homes, schools, and livelihoods. View slideshow
By ALDWIN QUITASOL Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (256 kms north of Manila) ? Members and conveners of the Benguet Mining Alert Network (BMAAN) have recently celebrated their organization’s first anniversary by reviewing its goals and objectives and renewing their commitment to carry-on the struggle to save the province of Benguet from…
By WENDY ATUBAN Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat BAGUIO CITY (246 kms north of Manila) ? While bio-piracy looms as a continuing threat to indigenous communities, an official of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPO Philippines) – the lead agency in the country mandated to implement state policies on intellectual property – reveals…