MANILA, Philippines – Around 700 Lumad arrived in Manila on Sunday, October 25, nearly a week after they set out from their communities in the southern Philippines.
The caravan participants, who are called Manilakbayanis (heroes journey to Manila), want to highlight their call to stop human right violations in various Lumad communities.
The indigenous peoples of Mindanao have allegedly been on the receiving end of a series of direct attacks, killings, arrests, harassments, zoning, and vilification in their own communities. (READ: TIMELINE: Attacks on the Lumad of Mindanao)
In support of their plight, the University of the Philippines Diliman community will accommodate them on campus for a week.
Help needed
However, bringing almost nothing with them, the indigenous peoples from Mindanao are in urgent need of sleeping mats, pillows, and blankets.
They will be staying in makeshift tents made mostly out of tarpaulins.
The #StopLumadKillings network is calling for donations of supplies for the travellers. Donations of supplies – such as food, medicine, and drinking water – are also welcome.
For those who want to help, please proceed to the Kampuhan grounds, located near the College of Human Kinetics grounds, right beside Vanguard Hall. You may also contact Bryle at 0927-974-3012.
The #StopLumadKillings network is also accepting meal pledges for the Lumad. P50 would be enough to fund one meal for a Lumad in Manila. Contact Beata at 0905-112-6421 for inquiries. – Rappler.com