The ‘Peace Zone’ Concept is the Only Hope:
Duterte warned the Lumads not to join the New People’s Army (NPA). He should also warn them not to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The key to the survival of the Lumads is NEUTRALITY.
In the last two decades, the Lumads are being massacred into extinction. The AFP and their Baganis (Lumad CAFGU) kill Lumads who side with the NPA on mere suspicion. The NPA kill Lumads who are known supporters or informants for the AFP. In the end, Lumads for AFP and for NPA kill each other while the AFP and the NPA drink beer in their camps.
The Lumads are now in deep crisis. They are caught in between. They become the pawns of either side in a never-ending war. It has evolved into a ‘slow genocide’ picking up momentum lately. The massacre of Lumads have quadrupled in the last decade. The only way out is to stay neutral.
Duterte promised the Lumads livelihood. That is not the solution. The Lumads turn to the NPA not because they are hungry, but because they are killed by the AFP on mere suspicion of being NPA supporters. There is no trial or evidence. The same with the NPA who kill Lumad AFP informants on mere suspicion in fear they will be pointed out.
There have been short-lived but successful civilian-led PEACE ZONES in Lumad territories during the GMA Administration, as in the Arakan Valley, Cotabato, and Sagada, Mountain Province. Armed AFP and NPA are not allowed in these zones. It was undermined by suspicions of violations from both sides. The peace zone concept can be revived, but there must be sincerity on both the AFP and NPA sides, and strict monitoring by residents. This is the only hope for the Lumads in crisis. Now, they are an endangered species.
The authoritarian Duterte is in a position to impose the Peace Zone concept. He can tell both the AFP and the NPA to stop recruiting Lumads, and to stay away from peace zones. It is worth doing a pilot model.
Bernie V. Lopez, eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com
Freelance journalist-columnist who writes for Inquirer ● Rappler ● ex-Business World ● ex-Manila Times ● ex-Manila Chronicle ● Healing Ministry of Sr. Raquel, RVM ● cancer-healer ● inquire by email
Who are the Lumads?
The Lumads are the non-Islamic and non-Christian Austronesian peoples of Mindanao. They include groups like the Erumanen ne Menuvu’, Matidsalug Manobo, Agusanon Manobo, Dulangan Manobo, Dabaw Manobo, Ata Manobo, B’laan, Kaulo, Banwaon, Bukidnon, Teduray, Lambangian, Higaunon, Dibabawon, Mangguwangan, Mansaka, Mandaya, K’lagan Subanen, Tasaday, T’boli, Mamanuwa, Tagakaolo, Talaandig, Tagabawa, Ubu’, Tinenanen, Kuwemanen, K’lata and Diyangan. Considered as “vulnerable groups”, they live in hinterlands, forests, lowlands and coastal areas. (Source: Wikipedia)