Duterte’s promises failed us — indigenous group

Indigenous People (lumads) from Mindanao march from Philippine Normal University to Liwasang Bonifacio. INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

More than 3,000 members of the “national minorities” are set to march to Manila on August 31 to assert their call against “oppression and exploitation.”

A year ago, indigenous peoples (IPs) from Mindanao came to Manila but “promises made by President (Rodrigo) Duterte failed them,” Sandugo, a national alliance of IPs and the Bangsamoro, said in a statement.

The indigenous groups will set “Kampuhan” or encampment at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City, from September 1 to 21. The UP community will welcome the cultural groups on August 31.

“Intensified militarization, bombings and harassments has displaced many of them,” Sandugo said.

“Now, they march again and with a common hymn to fight against oppression and exploitation,” the alliance added.

Sandugo will also hold a press conference which they said would “unmask the President in the eyes of the national minorities” on 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, at the International Center of UP Diliman. CBB