Group hits bombing of Cagayan villages

BAGGAO, Cagayan – The Sandugo Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination assailed the recent bombing of peasant and indigenous peoples communities in Cagayan.
    “We condemn this act of state terrorism against the Filipino people in the disguise of the government’s continuing counter-insurgency operations,” the group said in a statement sent to media outfits.
    Danggayan Cagayan Valley reported incidents of indiscriminate aerial bombings and machine gun strafing last Feb. 2 around 1:30 p.m. by the 95th Infantry Battalion of the 501st Infantry Brigade and Tactical Operation Group of the Philippine Air Force in the communities of Barangay Hacienda Intal, Baggao.
    The 150 families including Kankanaey and Kalinga folks who were forcibly evacuated from their homes, left their livelihood behind, the said.
    “This is clearly not just a violation of human rights, it is also a violation of the International Humanitarian Law.
CARHRIHL, an agreement which the state must respect in the matter of the armed conflict between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front also exists,” said Eufemia Cullamat, national council member of Sandugo - Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination.
    Cullamat added the bombings brought massive destruction to the environment. “The abuse of the environment and human rights continues, we challenge the Commission on Human Rights to investigate,” Cullamat added.
    The Armed Forces of the Philippines reportedly had been bombing peasant and indigenous peoples communities in Cagayan since 2021.
    “Just last year, under the new Marcos administration, Himamaylan and other parts of Negros were heavily militarized and bombed by state forces. We cannot help but suspect that the communities are being bombed to pave way for EDCA facilities,” said Amirah Lidasan, co-chairperson of Sandugo. “The state only uses its anti-terror campaign to justify the attacks against the masses,” Lidasan added.
    Sandugo said Bangsamoro areas in Mindanao, particularly Marawi and Maguindanao, also greatly suffered from airstrikes and indiscriminate bombings. The Martial Law in Mindanao resulted in deaths, displaced residents, and the destruction of communities. Six years later, families still mourn the loss of relatives, and they have not yet identified most of those found dead, and many are still missing.”