DAVAO CITY, Philippines – At least 700 lumads, peasants and human rights defenders from different areas in Mindanao arrived in Tacloban City yesterday on their way to Manila for the Manilakbayan.
Jhong Monzon, spokesperson for a confederation of lumad organizations in Southern Mindanao, said they are prepared for the month-long activity aimed at bringing the issue of militarization in lumad communities in Mindanao to the national government.
The Manilakbayan first converged here in Davao City on Oct. 17 to kick off the caravan.
Caravan participants from Southern Mindanao and Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) held a ritual to seek guidance and protection for the journey to Manila.
Manilakbayan is calling for the pullout of military troops from lumad schools and communities, as well as justice for victims of killings allegedly perpetrated by members of the state security forces.