Blaan leaders seek military presence

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Leaders of the Blaan tribes in South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur want the military to set up detachments in their ancestral domains to protect them from the New People’s Army (NPA) and other armed groups.

In a resolution signed here last March 20, 10 Blaan tribal chieftains asked the Armed Forces to transfer its detachments in Datal Alyong and Kiamo in Davao del Sur to the boundaries of their ancestral domains in Datal Biao and Salnaong in Tampakan, South Cotabato; and Bongmal, Barangay Kimlawis, Davao del Sur.

This move, according to the chieftains, will prohibit the entry of NPA rebels and other armed groups to their villages.

“We recognize the value of joint assistance between the tribal groups and (the military) when time needs it against threats from the NPA and other outside groups,” the resolution read.

“The Bongmal Blaan community is the only remaining pure Blaan indigenous people’s community without Bisayans and other outsiders and where our customs and customary laws are very much alive,” it added.

Blaan community volunteers have been safeguarding the borders of Sitio Gumuket Ayem, Bongmal, including the properties of Sagittarius Mines Inc., from threats to peace and order.

The tribal leaders said the military remains their primary ally in maintaining peace and order in their ancestral lands.