Statement of MAPASU:

 We, lumad people residing in the communities of Brgy. Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, through our organization MAPASU (Continuing Struggle for the Next Generation) STRONGLY OPPOSE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZING FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT (COPD) of the 29^th IB, PA. Furthermore, WE STRONGLY CONDEMN THE VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE committed by the AFP under the command of Lt. Col. Henry A. Robinson, Jr., Battalion Commander of the 29^th IBPA.

The more than 50 elements of the 29^th IBPA who arrived last October 23, 2011 and stayed in Han-ayan and KM16, caused great distress among residents. The soldiers stayed among residents and without asking permission set up camp near houses. Ms. Caroline Khoubesserian, representative of the International Committee on Red Cross (ICRC), witnessed the military presence in the communities and houses of civilians when she arrived last October 25, 2011. The ICRC representative criticized the military’s actions. ICRC representative Caroline Khoubesserian told the soldiers that they are violating the rules of war and the rights of residents. Despite this, the military continued to stay in the community and houses of residents.