IN CELEBRATION of the National Indigenous Peoples Day, Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao Region, an organization of former cadres and rebels, emphasizes the pressing issues surrounding IP communities that make them susceptible to radicalization.
The recent Senate hearing on youth radicalization, presided over by Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, exposed the insidious tactics of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) in exploiting Lumad grievances for recruitment.
The hearing shed light on how the CPP-NPA-NDFP utilizes legal fronts to systematically recruit young Filipinos, conditioning them to embrace violence and armed struggle.
It also highlighted the plight of Lumad communities, particularly their children who were once students of 55 Lumad schools.
The CPP-NPA-NDFP exploited their legitimate concerns, such as access to education, to draw them into their ranks.
Many former cadres have bravely come forward to reveal how they were recruited through these legal organizations.
These organizations, established and operated by CPP cadres, systematically instilled disillusionment with the government in young Filipinos, leading them towards the revolutionary cause.
The hearing underscored the fact that Lumad communities were not coerced into recruitment; rather, their dire circumstances left them vulnerable to the CPP-NPA-NDFP’s manipulative tactics.
Kalinaw SEMR, as former rebels and community members, understands that true healing requires addressing the root causes of the rebellion.
They support the ongoing peace efforts of the government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The organization joins the Lumad in their demand for the protection of their ancestral domain, the environment, free quality education, and other essential social services.
Only by steadfastly supporting the Lumad’s struggle for these rights can the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day hold true meaning.
