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18 March 2023
Katribu (Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas) calls on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to stop the bombings and pull out military troops in Balbalan, Kalinga.
Since the dawn of March 5, indigenous communities in Gawa-an reported sightings of fighter jets, and bombings of their surrounding mountains. Reports say that one can hear the explosions as far as Tabuk and Limos. Nine local farmers were reportedly held in custody for several hours by soldiers at Pinalaw. According to the soldiers, the bombings were for “clearing” purposes or to clear the area of New People’s Army red fighters.
The International Humanitarian Law (IHL) expressly prohibits indiscriminate firing and bombings, especially in areas occupied with civilians. Meanwhile, residents who were in nearby areas of the shooting and bombings are gripped with fear because the operations were too close to the civilian population. The bombings have naturally disrupted the communities’ livelihoods. Many people, especially children, are worried for their safety.
Indigenous Peoples’ rights demand free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) for any activity or incursion in indigenous lands and territories. This includes bombings and military operations. The bombing of forests – a source of food and livelihood – is also a grave offense for Indigenous Peoples (IP) in times of economic crisis and growing food insecurity.
We call on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct an independent investigation into this increasing frequency of bombings.
As IP communities try to recover from the effects of the pandemic and address the rising cost of living, the government should spend its funds towards the subsidy and social services of its marginalized citizens, including the farmers and IPs, rather than spend them on destructive bombs and bullets. #
