Nun claims receiving death threats after communist tag

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DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A nun, who has been in the forefront of environmental activism in Davao Oriental, said she continues to fear for her life after the military has tagged her as a communist.

Sister Stella Matunina, who works with the environmental group Panalipdan, said she has been receiving threats since a military officer issued statements on her supposed involvement in the communist movement.

She said a witness told her that during a recent military-organized community assembly in Lupon, Davao Oriental, a certain 1Lt. Hermie Montelibano of the Civil Military Operations of the 28th Infantry Battalion, even directly branded her as a member of the New People’s Army.

“Do you remember the recently killed Italian priest Fr. Tentorio? He was an NPA. There is also a woman introducing herself as a nun, but she is not a nun because she is an NPA. Stella is her name,” Matutina quoted Montelibano based on the witness’ account.

Tentorio was the parish priest of Arakan town in North Cotabato, who was killed in broad daylight as he was leaving his parish compound for a clergy meeting. His colleagues suspected that his environmental activism and pro-human rights campaign were the reasons he was ordered killed.

“I am currently facing threats, red-tagging and tormenting psychological torture. And I believe that this is happening because of my advocacy,” Matutina said.

Montelibano could not be reached for comment but his commander, Lt. Col. Leopoldo Imbang Jr., instantly dismissed Matutina’s claim as pure hearsay and urged her to be factual in her statements.

Imbang also said it was apparently part of the usual propaganda against the military.

“In my experience as battalion commander and former junior officer, such deceptions, lies, intrigues and propaganda have always been there. It never changes. It is obvious that these groups are just sowing intrigues,” he said.

Imbang said the allegation would not deter them from their peace and development campaign in the province.

“Let these accusations be an opportunity to get more criticizing eyes and draw more people to work hand in hand with us,” he said.

But human rights group Barug Katungod Mindanao (Stand Up for Human Rights) said it was not buying Imbang’s line and urged an investigation into Montelibano’s supposed statement.

“If something happens to me, I would definitely identify the military as the culprit behind it,” Matutina said.