DepEd hits attacks on lumad schools

MANILA, Philippines - No armed personnel are permitted in any schools in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) said yesterday.

The agency issued the statement amid reports of alleged military intervention in lumad schools in Sultan Kudarat.

“Schools and all learning institutions are zones of peace where students and teaching personnel must feel secure in their pursuit of quality basic education,” DepEd said in a statement.

Various organizations have sought the help of DepEd after the municipal government of Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat allegedly threatened to close down 18 schools operated by the Center for Lumad Advocacy and Services Inc. (CLANS).

Citing a report from the Save Our Schools Network, Gabriela Party-List Rep. Arlene Brosas said lumad schools operated by CLANS have repeatedly been accused as being operated by the New People’s Army.

“The local government vilified and threatened lumad school teachers and volunteers, forcing them to close down their schools,” Brosas said during a protest in front of the DepEd central office earlier this week.