Mga residente sa Balabac, Palawan, pinaputukan ng mga armadong lalaki! | Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

Summary

The video highlights the ongoing conflict on Balabak Island in Palawan, where the indigenous Molbog tribe faces eviction due to land being bought by a private company for tourism development. The tribe's ancestral land, including the island of Marih Hangin, is under threat despite the tribe's long history of living there. Armed men, allegedly hired by a corporation, intimidate and threaten the locals. Despite their struggles and legal battles, the tribe remains determined to protect their land, appealing for help from both local authorities and international organizations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Molbog tribe, indigenous to Marih Hangin Island in Palawan, is fighting to retain their ancestral land, which is now under threat from external forces.
• 😀 The island of Marih Hangin, rich in natural resources, has been a peaceful home to the Molbog tribe for generations, with their livelihood centered around seaweed cultivation.
• 😀 Armed men, allegedly working for a private company linked to tourism development, have been harassing the locals and attempting to force them off their land.
• 😀 The tribe's ancestors are buried on Marih Hangin Island, making it more than just land; it is a sacred space for the Molbog people.
• 😀 The San Miguel Corporation is involved in efforts to evict the Molbog tribe from their land to make way for tourism projects, despite the tribe's historical claim to the island.
• 😀 A 2014 agrarian reform program initially protected the island, but in 2023, a private company managed to bypass this protection and petitioned for the land to be exempt from the reform program.
• 😀 Despite the corporation offering compensation to the tribe, the indigenous people refuse to leave, stating that no amount of money can replace their connection to their land and ancestors.
• 😀 The legal battle over the island involves multiple contested documents and questionable signatures, with the Molbog tribe asserting that their rights have been ignored by authorities and private interests.
• 😀 The island, which lacks potable water and has limited agricultural potential, is still crucial for the tribe’s cultural and spiritual practices, making it irreplaceable for them.
• 😀 The Molbog tribe is being supported by NGOs, human rights organizations, and religious leaders in their fight to maintain their ancestral land and seek justice against unlawful displacement.

Q & A

What is the conflict occurring on the island of Balabak in Palawan?

The conflict on the island of Balabak arises from the forced eviction of the native Molbog tribe, whose ancestral lands are being targeted for tourism development. Armed men, allegedly affiliated with a private company, are threatening the tribe and trying to remove them from their land.

How has the Molbog tribe's life traditionally revolved around the island's resources?

The Molbog tribe's livelihood has been primarily based on cultivating seaweed, particularly agar-agar, which is processed into various products like gelatin, paper, cloth, and cosmetics. This practice has sustained them for several generations.

What threats are the native Molbog tribe facing on the island?

The Molbog tribe is facing threats from armed men who have entered their land, shot at them, and tried to force them to leave. The armed individuals, reportedly hired by a private company, are pressuring them to vacate their ancestral lands to make way for tourism development.

Why are the Molbog tribe refusing to leave the island despite offers of money?

The Molbog tribe refuses to leave their land because it holds deep cultural and ancestral significance. They consider the island their sacred home, where their ancestors are buried, and they are unwilling to sell or abandon it for money.

What legal actions has the Molbog tribe taken in response to the eviction attempts?

The Molbog tribe has fought in court to protect their ancestral land, contesting the claims made by a private company that purchased the land. They have appealed to the Department of Agrarian Reform and challenged the legitimacy of the ownership and eviction orders.

What role does the Department of Agrarian Reform play in the conflict?

The Department of Agrarian Reform issued a notice in 2014 to distribute lands to poor farmers, but in 2023, a private company petitioned for exemption from this program. The Department is involved in the dispute over whether the land should be covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program or if it can be developed for tourism.

What is the stance of the private company involved in the conflict?

The private company, believed to be associated with San Miguel Corporation, argues that it legally owns the land, citing a title issued to a person named Hatib Isa. The company intends to develop the land for tourism and other commercial activities, which directly conflicts with the interests of the Molbog tribe.

How do the armed men relate to the conflict on the island?

The armed men, who are reportedly security personnel hired by San Miguel Corporation, have been accused of harassing and threatening the Molbog tribe. They have been involved in violent encounters with the tribe, further escalating the conflict.

What challenges does the Molbog tribe face in defending their land?

The Molbog tribe faces significant challenges in defending their land, including financial constraints, lack of legal resources, and the overwhelming power of the corporation involved. They also face threats of violence, which complicate their ability to safely protect their ancestral land.

What support is the Molbog tribe receiving from outside organizations?

The Molbog tribe has started receiving support from NGOs, such as the Ateneo Human Rights Center. Additionally, three Bishops from Palawan are advocating for their cause, and their lawyers are collaborating with the Commission on Human Rights to seek justice and protection for the tribe.