DENR chief calls for demilitarization of Lumad landsEnvironment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez is asking for immediate demilitarization within lands owned by the Lumad [indigenous peoples (IP) to ensure the safe return of those who left their communities because of heavy militarization and mining activities. She noted the commander of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, Major-General Rafael Valencia, already assured her about the withdrawal of military troops from Lumad areas next week. “Why do you have to bring these people out of the forests and bring them to the city? Lumad leaders claimed military personnel and some of their fellow IPs belonging to paramilitary groups have struck fear among community members and forced them to evacuate their lands to allow large-scale mining and logging companies to proceed with their operations. This is senseless,” Lopez said.

Source: Manila Bulletin August 07, 2016 07:07 UTC