Urgent Appeal for Support and Action For Lumad Families Displaced by Militarization in Surigao del Sur

We call the attention of and seek support from organizations and individuals from all sectors of society, relating to a crisis affecting women and children in Lianga, Surigao, in Mindanao. More than 1,700 individuals, mostly children, have been displaced after their communities were militarized since June 18.

We are currently going around schools, churches and media institutions to highlight the issue and the demands of the lumad for the pull-out of the military troops in their communities.  Several representatives of the evacuees are here in Manila to bring their plight to national attention.

These activities also serve as venue to air out the urgent need for material and financial support to sustain the daily life of the evacuees in the evacuation center.  Around 18-20 sacks of rice are needed DAILY for sustenance staying at the Diocesan Pastoral Council in Tandag, Surigao del Sur.

A Humanitarian Relief Mission will be held on August 28-30, 2009 to bring the relief goods generated through the ongoing campaign to help the evacuees. 

  You can help by:

• Providing financial and material support for the evacuees

• Joining the Humanitarian Relief Mission on August 28-30, 2009 in Tandag, Surigao del Sur

• Organizing forums in schools, offices, convents and communities and Inviting the lumad representatives to speak in these forums

• Writing to relevant authorities and urging them to heed the demands of the lumads for the pull-out of military troops in their communities 

LUMADS IN PLIGHT DUE TO MILITARIZATION

                                                 Preparing for the exodus

settling down at Lianga Municipal Gymnasium

  lumad family eats together on the ground of Lianga Municipal  Gymnasium

preparing to move once again to Tandag after a series of military   harassments

  loading up for the move to Tandag

Evacuees running through military checkpoint prior to the trip to Tandag

SCENES AT THE TANDAG DIOCESAN PASTORAL CENTER

PHOTOS from KARAPATAN- CARAGA