Nun says rebel tag Army gave her brings her fear

DAVAO CITY—A nun, who has been in the forefront of environmental activism in Davao Oriental, said she fears for her life after the military tagged her as a communist rebel.

Sr. Stella Matunina, who works with the environmental group Panalipdan, said she has been receiving threats since a military officer pointed to her as a member of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Quoting a witness, Matutina said 1Lt. Hermie Montelibano, of the 28th Infantry Battalion, identified the nun as a member of NPA at a recent community assembly organized by the military in Lupon, Davao Oriental.

“Do you remember the recently killed Italian priest Fr. (Fausto) 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 as saying based on the witness’ account.

Tentorio, an Italian missionary and parish priest of Arakan town in North Cotabato, was killed on Oct. 17, 2011 as he was leaving his parish compound for a clergy meeting. His colleagues believe his environmental activism and prohuman rights campaign were the reasons for his killing.

“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 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 stop the military from its peace and development campaign in the province.

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,” said the nun. Karlos Manlupig with a report from Ayan Mellejor, Inquirer Mindanao