Lumads dislodged by Army ops from homes take refuge in Davao brgy hall

DAVAO CITY – Members of the Matigsalog tribe from Barangay Mangyon in Compostela town, Compostela Valley have sought temporary refuge at a barangay hall at the Matina Crossing here after they alleged that Army troops have encamped in their community.

Oraya Mansayloan, a purok chair of the lumad group, told media that members of the 66th Infantry Battalion have all but taken over their community, exposing them to possible attacks that the New People’s Army (NPA) could launch in the area.

Mansayloan said the 66th IB started to occupy their place last November 23 and, since then, their lives have been filled with anxiety and fear.

The evacuees averred that they will not go back to their community in Compostela until the military pulls out from the encampment they have established in their community.

The Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC) has already checked the situation in the evacuation center in Matina and told reporters that 133 individuals or 20 families were now staying at the barangay hall.

CRC’s Rius Valle said 54 of the total number of evacuees were children while 27 were women, including two pregnant mothers.

They are all being housed at the rooftop of the Barangay Matina hall.

Barangay officials extended accommodation to the evacuees and supported them with their needs.

“The barangay government here has been very open in accommodating the lumads, offering them proper shelter and giving them assistance. But unlike the other ethnic groups, Matigsalug tribe came recently here for a reason,” said Kagawad Joseph Encabo.

“As of now, this is our primary obligation to them. We are only responding to their needs,” Encabo pointed out, adding that the barangay council only has limited funds and are now planning to solicit donations from private individuals and groups, and food assistance from the city government.