Jailed Tiamzon couple accuses government of "serious" violations

The Aquino government must be held accountable for the 1,300 cases of violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) against the Talaingod-Pantaron Manobo of Davao del Norte.  The cases of violations cases may still balloon to 2,300 when the documentation of the number of evacuees has been verified by the municipality of Talaingod.

In addition to these cases is the violation of the rights of the Talaingod-Pantaron Manobo under the Indigenous People's Rights Act and the violation of the rights and care of children.

Instead of protecting the civilians, the 1003rd brigade through the 60th Infantry Batallion and the 4th Special Forces had committed the worst violations of the CARHRIHL which caused the mass evacuation of the Talaingod-Pantaron Manobos on April 3.

The operation of the 1003rd brigade in the Talaingod-Pantaron Mountain Range area must be immediately stopped; the 60th IB and 4th Special Forces troops, sent back to barracks.

The officers of the 1003rd, 60th IB and 4th Special Forces must undergo investigation and military trial to account for their serious violations of the principles and standards of International Humanitarian Law.

Give the Talaingod-Pantaron Manobos commensurate indemnification for the damage on their livelihood, settlements, and crops.

Allow the Talaingod-Pantaron Manobos to safely and peacefully return to their homes and farms.

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the New People's Army resolutely promote the protection of civilians affected by the armed conflict between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the NPA.

The NDFP resolutely upholds the right to self-determination and autonomy of the indigenous Talaingod-Pantaron Manobo that can only be realized after the country has been totally freed from the control of foreign imperialist US and local big bourgeois compradors and landlords.

We appreciate the effort of the Talaingod-Pantaron Manobo communities to bring to our attention their situation and to tackle their demands in the peace negotiations, including the protection of the Pantaron Mountain Range against illegal logging, mining and other explorations of the natural resources of Pantaron Mountain range by imperialist interests and local big bourgeois compradors.

Defend and support the Talaingod-Pantaron Manobo!

(Signed) NDFP National Consultant

Benito E. Tiamzon

ND978227

(Signed) Wilma Austria Tiamzon

NDFP National Consultant

ND 978226