THE Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) reiterated its support for the Sonshine Media Network Network International (SMNI).
This is after the said network imposed a 30-day suspension by the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC).
In an SMNI interview, MIPCEL Executive Director Datu Jake Lanes said that out of all media networks here in the country, SMNI is the only one has been giving them a platform to hear their voice on a national scale, to let the people know about the violence caused by communist terrorist groups CPP-NPA-NDF.
Datu Lanes also talked about the program LABAN KASAMA ANG BAYAN which was first suspended by Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
Datu Lanes said the indigenous people are given a day through that program to express their thoughts on current events and other issues.
Lanes said before, only local media were once the one who gave them a chance to express their thoughts it was then after that their organization was build.
Datu Jake also added that it was very important for them to let their voice be heard and to be given the opportunity to tell all Filipinos about their true situation and the sufferings they endured from the clutches of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
He also said that through SMNI, many of them were saved from the said terrorist group.
Meanwhile, MIPCEL has already issued a resolution expressing its support for SMNI for its advancement of Democratic rights to free expression.
To recall, senators also questioned the NTC’s move to suspend SMNI.
