A humanitarian mission broke the state of terrorism and militarization imposed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) units on the Dumagat’s communities and ancestral lands in Norzagaray, Bulacan, on October 25. The mission was organized by Pagkakaisa para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (Patria, or Unity for Genuine Agrarian Reform), Kabataan Party-list (KPL) and church people.
The groups delivered material aid and moral support to the Dumagat who evacuated to Ipo Elementary School in Barangay San Mateo. They prepared 300 packages of food aid, hygiene supplies, and others for the residents affected by militarization in the sitios of Pako, Sapang Munti, Ipo, and Anginan. They also conducted debriefing activities for children and youth.
Militarization and military suppression is implemented in the communities because the indigenous Dumagat are actively defending their ancestral lands against plunder. The sitios are located within the Ipo Watershed area fenced and operated by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). MWSS and private companies obtain irrigation water here for Metro Manila and nearby areas.
According to Karapatan-Central Luzon (CL), the government and private businesses profit from the Ipo Watershed while neglecting and disregarding the Dumagat’s rights and welfare. The communities reportedly receive no compensation or benefits from this.
“This is exploitation in plain view. Water from their mountains is sold for profit while the rightful stewards of that land remain dispossessed, militarized, and impoverished,” the group said.
The group considers the humanitarian mission an important step for the Dumagat communities. “Despite the intimidating security presence and layers of surveillance, the humanitarian team broke through fear itself—crossing barriers, facing questions, and overcoming restrictions,” it said.
Karapatan-CL thanked all the groups who led and attended the aid distribution to the Dumagat. Kabataan Rep. Renee Co visited the militarized area. “Her presence strengthened the people’s right to humanitarian access and protection for the displaced communities,” Karapatan-CL said.
The group resolutely asserts that the militarization of the Dumagat communities violates human rights and international humanitarian law, resulting in forced evacuations and disruptions to their lives and livelihoods. They demanded the military to end militarization and leave the civilian communities.
