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Lumad Killings
Lumad Killings
108
Mindanao, running barefooted in the forest, trying to salvage your family as you
inhale the smoke from random bombings. Got that image? Good.
percent of those are Lumad. They are about 18% of the country’s population. The
Lumad are the largest indigenous group in the Philippines. The word “Lumad” is a
In a nation of mixed cultural influences, the indigenous people hold the most
Filipinos.
But like jewels – precious and beautiful – the rich history of our native tribes
are kept from light, rarely revered, and only unveiled when one has any need of
them.
Now, go back to that forest. What would you do if you’re left with no option
but to abandon your home? You guys sure are lucky to be here, sitting in the four
university. Away from conflict. Safe and sound. But for an indigenous person in
quietly. They say their rights and privileges are being taken away from them, and
their liberty is being stepped on, repeatedly, by armed men whose sworn mandate
the most.
I have read the story of Bandam Dumanglay, 12 years old who has his story
to tell. He has witnessed how military groups ransacked their homes and schools,
burned what little is left of their ancestral domain and dreams, and killed his
They were left with no choice but to evacuate – a tradeoff between security
and survival – while their perpetrators enjoy the fruits of the lands they have been
that it is happening all over Mindanao. Several incidents have been reported
throughout the course of the year and some are still happening up to this day.
Now, I am not here to present facts and overwhelm you with information.
Rather I stand to tell you that no matter where we live or who we are, we should all
care about Indigenous Peoples. I’m not saying that you should go directly to help
them but what I am trying to stress is this: I hope this story reaches more people
and create solidarity in defense of their land, culture, and rights as Lumad.
As Exupery once said in my favorite book, “It is only with the heart that one
can truly see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the naked eye.”