TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – More than 500 indigenous people (IPs) and their supporters come together in a powerful display of unity for justice and reconciliation.

Beneath the scorching sun on Tuesday, a defiant spirit blazes and their fervor cause radiates along the national highway in front of the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex here.

At the heart of the gathering of IPs and supporters from nearby Talaingod, Kapalong, and Asuncion towns lies a recent court ruling convicting former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, Alliance of Concerned Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, and 11 others of endangering 14 IP children in November 2018.

"We will not stop struggling for our rights, welfare, and interests even with the court's decision against SaturOcampo and everyone else involved in the evacuation of the lumad(s) and our children," said Datu TungigMansumuy-at, former council member of IP group Pasakaand former leader of the CPP-NPA-NDFP's KomitengRebolusynaryo sa Munisipyo.

The Tagum City Regional Trial Court Branch 2 last week found Castro, Ocampo, and 11 others guilty of violation of Section 10(a) under Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and meted imprisonment from four years to six years.

The court's 25-page ruling also ordered them to pay P10,000 for civil indemnity and moral damages to each minor, plus 6% annual interest until fully settled.

Speaking in a press conference after the solidarity event, Ida Marie Montero, former secretary of the NPA’s Subregional Committee 5 of the Southern Mindanao Region, explained how the CPP, through the leadership of NPA and other NDF organizations, managed the construction, finances, and operations of the IP school called Salupongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon, Inc.

The CPP’s Save Our Schools campaign is designed to seek local and international support to defend not only the IP schools but also the communist party and the NPA's guerrilla bases.

Manobo tribe member Juanito Bongcalas, former coordinator of the Salupongan school; Lieutenant Apoga, former commanding officer of SRC5's Subregional Guerrilla Unit; and Henyo Ehem, former student of Salupongan school and former NPA fighter of SRC5, described the difficult social and economic conditions that push some IPs to believe that armed struggle is the only means to fight exploitation.

"It was the involvement in the radical movement that made me feel like we need to fight the government to be free,"Ehem said.

Bartolome Arcala, a former political instructor of the NPA Guerrilla Front 55, was emotional as he recalled his past struggles and difficulties in the NPA for the welfare of IPs.

Arian Jane Ramos, president of the Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao Region, cited how organizations of former rebels and communities influenced by the CPP-NPA-NDFP, like Kalinaw SEMR, are committed to encouraging nonviolent forms of struggle, advocating for justice, and fostering sustainable development.

Ramos reiterated the organization's mission to help transform former combatants into advocates for peace and community resilience, emphasizing that the fight for justice and development must continue through lawful and peaceful means.

Referring to the Regional Trial Court’s decision, she said it should not just be about holding individuals accountable.

"Most important of all, it is about acknowledging the suffering of the lumad people and taking concrete steps towards their healing and empowerment," she added.

One of the most memorable moments from the press conference was the tribal ritual panubadtubad.

During this ceremony, former rebels who have transitioned into officers and members of Kalinaw SEMR, alongside numerous elders from Talaingod, reaffirmed their dedication to the IP community's fight for justice, peace, healing, and national reconciliation.

Kalinaw SEMR, composed of ex-cadres and members of the CPP-NPA-NDFP, is dedicated to advancing peace-building and strengthening community resilience. It explicitly focuses on former rebels, peasants, and indigenous groups.

Through various programs and projects, Kalinaw SEMR works to help former rebels reintegrate into society and support lasting development in communities that were once under the influence of the CPP-NPA-NDFP. (AAA)