Mindanao Lumads Seek Self-Determination

Close to 1,000 lumad tribal leaders, elders, and representatives from four regions in Mindanao on Thursday signed a manifesto to strengthen their push for self-determination according to their customary laws.

They also strongly declared support for President Rodrigo Duterte who can help them shape and achieve their destiny as United Indigenous Peoples of Mindanao in their ancestral domain.

The manifesto was reached after the Indigenous People (IP) Leaders Summit on January 31 and February 1 at Green Heights Convention Center to resolve issues confronting their communities.

The summit was aimed at providing the lumads a venue to air their concerns to the national government.

According to them, the struggle and fight for self-determination is based on their customary laws, cultures, and traditions passed by their ancestors that are deeply rooted in their communities.

In the manifesto, they vowed that they will not fail President Duterte in his peace and development program spelled out in the administration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda.

Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) commander Lt. Benjamin Madrigal said it was President Duterte who wanted to convene the lumads to hear their concerns.

During the IP leaders’ summit, Madrigal said the lumads cited security and livelihood as their top concerns. Madrigal said the summit was a good start to strengthen the lumad communities.

In his speech, Duterte expressed his commitment to help the lumads improve their lives. He has allocated P100 million for agricultural assistance and P160 million for housing if they want to relocate to an urban area.

He assured them of more assistance for health, education, jobs, and opportunities to become members of Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU). (PNA)