Human rights and peace advocates in Hong Kong picketed the Philippines Consulate General in Admiralty yesterday, condemning the brutal killings of the Lumads (an indigenous people) in Mindanao, southern Philippines, allegedly at the hands of paramilitary groups and security forces.
The heightened militarisation of the communities has resulted in the displacement of thousands, who have been forced to leave their homes and ancestral lands for refuge centres.
The most recent killings came on Sept. 1 when prominent indigenous leaders Emerito Smarca, Daniel Campos and Bello Sinzo were attacked in Surigao del Sur by the paramilitary group “Magahat/Bagani”, according to activists.
Some say the group enjoys the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), but security officials have denied the existence of such a paramilitary unit.
Coming out with banners declaring “Stop Lumad Killings” yesterday, dozens of Hong Kong-based Filipinos called for the apparent impunity to end.
“These are just some of the incidents of human rights violations that we believe should be thoroughly and speedily investigated and the perpetrators vigorously prosecuted and brought to justice,” Eman Villanueva, chairperson of Filipino Alliance Bayan Hong Kong & Macau, said.
“The indigenous people of Mindanao are being terrorised by military and paramilitary forces that are under the responsibility of President Aquino. The government’s support of projects in ancestral territories, including mining, hydroelectricity and logging, are also destructive,” she said.
On Tuesday, Philippines President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino denied that there is a government campaign to kill Lumads – who some suspect as having ties to the New People’s Army (NPA) – as part of anti-insurgency measures.
The Philippines Consulate accepted a petition yesterday but declined to comment.
Photos: Loryjean Yungco
Got a tip? Send it to us at hongkong@coconuts.co.
