NCIP 11 calls for laws to give justice to victims of Rano Massacre

THE NATIONAL  Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP 11) calls for the implementation of robust legislative efforts in the form of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. According to NCIP 11, the said act will give justice to the victims of the 1989 Rano Massacre.  

The Regional Director for NCIP 11 Gerry Aguio discussed how he has observed that the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 will be a necessary step in legislation for providing increased security for indigenous communities in the Davao Region.

“…dunay daghang usbon or dunay baguhun na mga pamaagi para mahatagan nato ug hustisya man lang ang atuang mga martyr atong panghitabo didto sa Rano [Rano Massacre] (There should be a lot of changes or changes in policies to give justice to our martyrs of Rano [Rano Masssace]),” Aguio said.

The Rano Massacre involved an attack of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels at a morning service of a congregation of the United Church of Christ at Binaton, Digos City on June 25, 1989. A total of 39 people – men, women and children - were killed while eight (8) others were wounded in the said attack.

Aguio cited how violent acts against IP communities like the Rano Massacre can be prevented if the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 will be finally signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

The said act, according to Aguio, is in no way an attack on the freedom of each Filipino but instead it is there to protect each citizen from acts of terrorism.

“Nag laom mi na ma aprubahan ni ug pirmahan sa Presidente kay wala man gi undang ang demokrasya sa maong anti-terror bill. Nag lihok man ang demokrasya. Nag lihok man ang atuang korte. Duna may korte nga mu pitol sa ilang mga gi perceive nga mga panghitabong abuso (We are hoping that it will be approve and signed by the President since this Anti-Terror bill does not end democracy. Democracy is exists. Our courts are functioning. We have the court to penalize those perceived abuses),” Aguio added.

This coming June 25, 2020 will mark the 31st commemoration of the Rano Massacre. The said event is dedicated to remembering the victims of violent acts of terrorism and to shed light on how important it is to have an effective set of policies to protect IP communities as well as other communities from violent acts brought about by armed insurgencies. (By Kevin Caro)