Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas strongly condemns the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) aerial strafing in Brgy. Tagumpay, Pola, Oriental Mindoro, on February 19, 2025. This brazen act of violence has caused immense fear and distress among the residents, endangering their lives and livelihoods. The AFP’s actions constitute a blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Residents reported that the 76th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (IBPA) conducted two rounds of aerial strafing at around 11:45 AM. These were part of a military operation against the New People's Army (NPA), which forced the evacuation of residents in fear for their lives. Such blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of the community is unacceptable. The military’s aerial strafing also encroached on the ancestral lands of the Mangyan-Tadyawan, threatening their heritage, environment, and livelihood.
Katribu underscores that the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) right of Indigenous Peoples, extends to all activities within their ancestral lands, including military operations. The recent aerial strafing in Oriental Mindoro further highlights the critical importance of this principle. Enshrined in the 1997 Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, FPIC is a legal safeguard that mandates obtaining the consent of Indigenous communities before implementing any projects or activities that may impact their lives, land, and rights.
Moreover, the aerial strafing and subsequent military operations have further devastated the livelihood of residents, who are still struggling to recover from the catastrophic oil spill caused by the sinking of MT Princess Empress in 2023. The spill has already inflicted severe damage on marine biodiversity and the local fishing industry—the primary source of income for many families in the area. This latest act of violence exacerbates their suffering, compounding the hardships they continue to endure.
Katribu calls for the respect and protection of the rights and dignity of Indigenous communities. We hold the 76th IBPA accountable for its violations of IHL, which explicitly prohibits attacks on civilians and the destruction of civilian property. The AFP's continued use of aerial strafing and other forms of violence against Indigenous communities is a gross violation of their rights and a threat to their survival. These acts of state violence must end.
Katribu urges the Pola local government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents and take decisive action to protect their rights. An independent investigation must be conducted into the AFP’s actions to ensure accountability for these violations.
In solidarity with the residents of Brgy. Tagumpay, we demand an immediate end to these attacks and call for justice for the affected communities. The AFP must be held accountable, and the rights of Indigenous communities must be upheld and protected. #
Reference:
Beverly Longid
National Convener
Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas
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