FILIPINOS continue to express anger over human rights violation under the Marcos administration. Recently, the indigenous sector suffered police brutality during an attempt to arrest Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy and others on June 10, 2024.
According to Datu Lipatuan Joel Unad, chairman of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders (MIPCEL), the Philippine National Police-Special Action Forces (PNP-SAF) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) raid on their communities in Sitio Kitbog, Malungon, Sarangani, and Glory Mountain in Tamayong, Davao City raises significant questions.
“Big questions arise from the police and government’s treatment of the tribes while searching for Pastor Quiboloy. They ask, “Is this approach legal? Does the police have such a mandate, especially involving uninformed tribes?” stated Datu Lipatuan Joel Unad, Chairman, Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders.
The police lacked a search warrant, and some of the affected areas were outside the religious compound of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. A member of the B’laan tribe died from fear after witnessing police violence and being forcibly evicted from their homes.
KOJC missionaries, members of the Bagobo-Klata Tribe in Glory Mountain, were dragged, kicked, and handcuffed during the raid.
Indigenous community leaders are deeply concerned about these actions, which felt akin to terrorist attacks.
“It’s hard to accept that such tactics are reminiscent of NPA terrorists. Why do the tribes experience this now?” added Datu Unad.
Is the Marcos admin targetting Pastor ACQ?
Datu Unad posed a direct question to President Bongbong Marcos Jr. about the government’s treatment of Pastor Quiboloy and their sector.
“A direct question to PBBM: Is this really PBBM’s attitude towards tribes in peaceful territories?”
“Dragging and scaring people—is this part of the law?”
“On behalf of the 80 major tribes in Mindanao, what the PNP officers are doing is discrimination. If this is with PBBM’s mandate, we consider President Marcos a significant part of this. Where is the law?” he expressed.
Mindanao IP leader asserts Pastor Quiboloy’s importance to indigenous peoples
Datu Unad emphasized Pastor Apollo’s importance to the indigenous peoples, granting him a sacred name.
“For everyone’s knowledge, Pastor Quiboloy is dearly loved. He was given an adopted name—Datu Pamulingan—signifying high sensitivity and sacredness,” he stated.
Pastor Apollo is honored and recognized by the Obu Manuvu tribe as Datu Pamulingan and by the B’laan Tribe as Datu Tud Labun, meaning ‘access to heaven,’ as a sign of respect and acceptance into their community.
Meanwhile, Datu Unad mentioned that IP leaders across Mindanao are planning to meet and discuss about the Marcos administration’s violations of their rights, especially those who were victims of June 10th incident. They will also discuss the next steps to hold authorities accountable for their actions.
