A MANDAYA tribal woman chieftain tried to inspire 75 youth leaders to fight against terrorism in their ancestral domains in Sitio Sangab, Caraga, Davao Oriental.
Bae Christine Banugan-Bondoc shared her experiences on how she led her tribe against the influence of the communist terrorist group (CTG) during the TIDTALKS held at 10ID Auditorium, Camp General Manuel T. Yan Senior in Mawab, Davao De Oro on March 29.
Around 75 young leaders, primarily Indigenous People from different parts of Davao De Oro, attended the event.
In her testimony, Bondoc elaborated that she assumed leadership of their tribal community after her father was gunned down by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) on December 30, 2016, for opposing the entry of NPA rebels into their land.
“We risk our lives to protect our tribes for the next 100 years. We have an inter-generational responsibility to protect our culture and ancestral domains,” Bondoc said in vernacular.
Meanwhile, she encouraged other IP leaders to speak up and cooperate for the betterment of the IP communities, inviting them to unite and fight to protect and safeguard their lives and the tribe’s ancestral domains against the CTG.
“IPs want peace in their ancestral domain and to be able to freely exercise their rights, preserve their cultural heritage, and protect biodiversity for future generations,” Bondoc added.
Meloy Mandante, one of the attendees, said that the courage of Bae Christine inspired him.
“Bae Christine represents the IP youth leader of today, you inspired us with your story, and we believe that you are one of the good leaders here in Davao Region,” Mandante added.
Meanwhile, 10ID Commander MGen Jose Eriel M Niembra lauded the courage displayed by Bae Christine in leading her tribe against the CTG.
He further encourages everyone to contribute to sustaining peace in this part of the country.
