“The Philippine military’s design for the communities in Lianga, Surigao del Sur is not just one of a quick execution of individuals, similar to the work of their paramilitary minions in September 2015. This is systemic, brutal and cruel persecution of an entire community in defense of their ancestral land by denying them security, food, water, medicine, and other necessities. Essentially, this is State terror compounded by the unchecked, arbitrary powers of the military under Mindanao martial law,” said Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay.
(Photo from Save Our Schools-Caraga)