Salugpongan school slams AFP

Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center (STTICLCI) condemns the recent attacks committed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines whereby atrocities range from threats to close the school to abduction of teacher’s kin.

“Over the past two weeks, Salugpongan Schools documented spate of harassments, intimidations and worse the abduction of Imelda Hayahay, mother of our teacher Jeanyrose . While the AFPbacked ALAMARA threatening to close our schools in Talaingod by the end of the month,” said Meggie Nolasco, Executive Director of STTICLCI.

Eight armed men believed to be military personnel of 71st Infantry Batallion forcibly took Imelda Hayahay on the eve of October 16, 2018 in Mabini, Compostela Valley. Militaries were also seen guarding the premises where the abduction took place.

Family members of Hayahay sought help from local government units but all could not verify the location of Imelda. In an audience with Stephen Ducusin, Commanding Officer of the 71st IBPA, he denied any knowledge of the said abduction yet assured the family that she is well. He vowed to help locate Imelda on the condition that Teacher Jeanyrose must show up on their next meeting.

“The abductors’ condition was relayed to Teacher Jeanyrose thru a phone call - that she being a volunteer teacher of Salugpongan should present and surrender herself to the authorities. This reveals not just the motive of the abductors but a clear case of harassment and intimidation to our teachers and their family members as well,” Nolasco added.

Meanwhile, on October 25, 2018, 6 military personnel from 56th IBPA along with alleged local tribal leaders and members of paramilitary Alamara went to the school in Nasilaban, Palma Gil, Talaingod and presented a “letter of notice” to the teachers. They demanded that Salugpongan should vacate and close all schools in Talaingod within one week time.

“Salugpongan administration questions the validity of the said letter. Aside from the fact that it belied the requests of the IPs in Talaingod for a relevant and free education, we believe that it is an attempt manipulated by the AFP to further escalate their anti-insurgency campaign in far-flung areas. If the AFP and its minions ALAMARA will be pushing to close our school, they will be committing a serious crime against the right of children and peoples’ to education” Nolasco further added.

“We reiterate that STTICLC is a legitimate educational institution bound by the laws of the land and has annually complied with the requirements set by the Department of Education. We as community educators and teachers are duty bound to educate the next generation of Indigenous People’s, a duty which is far greater than our selves. We simply cannot stop because of harassment and intimidations”, concluded Nolasco.

-Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center (STTICLCI)