rts by Higala sa mga Bakwit and members of the mission convinced the AFP’s 401st Brigade to withdraw troops in the communities. #HIGALA SA MGA BAKWIT (Friends of the Evacuees in Surigao del Sur)
August 31, 2009


EVACUEES RETURN TO THEIR HOMES,
CHR De LIMA PROBES VIOLATIONS AND VISITS LUMAD SCHOOL


The 1,700 Manobo lumads finally returned to their homes on August 30 accompanied by Commission on Human Rights chair Leila de Lima, local officials led by provincial administrator Johnny Pimentel, and 200 contingents of the Task Force Surigao National Solidarity Mission led by Gabriela Women's Party Representative Luz Ilagan and AnakPawis Representative Joel Maglunsod.

The contingent joined the lumads to see their safety upon their return and to see that the troops from the 58th IB complied with the pullout from the communities. Some residents complained that their houses were looted of their properties.

In the community of Han-ayan (18 kilometers from the national highway in Diatagon), De Lima visited the Alcadev High School to personally see the school that was alleged by the 58th IB as a school training rebels and is not recognized by the Department of Education. The visit dispelled those issues as the chair was impressed with the farm projects and modules.

De Lima arrived in Tandag on August 29 to probe the complaints of the lumads. He had a dialogue with Pimentel and visited the lumads at the Diocese Pastoral Center. The CHR chair interviewed victims on how they were being recruited to the paramilitary Bagani Force. The lumads were assisted by their lawyer Atty. Antonio Azarcon, IBP President of Surigao del Sur.

Atty. Leila de Lima was accompanied by Tandag CHR Seldio Pilongo and several CHR staff members.

After a month-and-a-half of staying in evacuation centers, the lumads were able to return home after effo

CommIssioner De Lima at ALCADEV