MANILA — An indigenous people’s organization on Friday will hold a condemnation rally against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army’s (CPP-NPA) alleged exploitation of the indigenous people.
The Indigenous Alliance Against Terrorism, together with the Liga Independencia Pilipinas, disclosed that young indigenous people are often recruited as child warriors, easily “robbing their childhood and future.”
“Nagtayo ng Padepa (Pambansang Demokrasyang Paaralan) ang kilusan na ang pangunahing layunin ay i-brainwash ang mga bata at dito rin sa mga paaralang ito nagaganap ang panggagahasa at panghahalay ng NPA sa mga kabataan (The Movement established Padepa, whose main function is to brainwash the children. These learning centers have also been the setting of NPA’s rape and sexual abuse against them),” the group said in a statement.
The demonstration will start from Makati Central Fire station going toward Sultan Kudarat Monument Pathway in Makati City. The program is scheduled to start around 9 a.m.
The group said the victims themselves will attend the rally to personally narrate their experiences.
The group also joined big companies forced to shell out the so-called “revolutionary tax” to stand up against the practice.
“Ilalahad ng mga batang biktima ang mapait nilang karanasan sa mga taga-kalunsuran, partikular sa mga managers at may-ari ng mga malalaking kumpanya na nagbibigay ng revolutionary tax sa kilusan. Ang revolutionary tax na ito ay ginagamit sa digmaan ng kilusan na sumisira sa buhay ng mga katutubo (The victims will share their experiences in the city, particularly to the heads of big companies who are often subjected to revolutionary tax. These taxes are being used by the NPA to fund their cause which destroys the lives of the indigenous people,” the group said. (PNA)
