Makabayan bloc, nat dem groups face backlash as Talaingod Lumad leaders reject ‘Talaingod 13’ narrative

DAVAO DEL NORTE—Indigenous leaders from Talaingod have rebuked statements by the Makabayan bloc and allied national democratic organizations following the Court of Appeals’ affirmation of the conviction of former lawmakers Satur Ocampo, France Castro, and their co-accused, saying the Leftist coalition continues to push a narrative that does not reflect the Lumad community’s own position.

In an official statement, the Ata-Manobo Tribal Council of Elders/Leaders of Talaingod Association, the recognized Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) of Talaingod, welcomed the appellate court’s decision upholding a Tagum City court ruling that found the accused guilty of violating the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The IPS, through its chairperson Bae Pilar A. Libayao, said that the ruling was based on child protection and violations of Lumad self-governance, not an attack on indigenous culture or education. In a video message, Libayao stated that the individuals convicted do not represent the Ata-Manobo and have no mandate from the community.

She also urged media organizations to avoid using the term “Talaingod 13,” which it said falsely links the group to the locality. “They are not from Talaingod and do not speak for our people.”

The tribal council further rejected claims that the accused were “human rights defenders,” asserting that they violated both Philippine law and Ata-Manobo customary law by removing Lumad children without parental consent and approval from recognized tribal leaders.

“We ask the public to listen to the community itself, not outside groups claiming to speak on our behalf,” the Bae Pilar said. “Let us speak for ourselves and for our children.”

Cullamat defends accused

The statement followed renewed criticism from Makabayan allies, including former Bayan Muna representative Eufemia Cullamat, who questioned the legitimacy of statements issued by Talaingod officials and tribal leaders.

In a December 28 commentary, Cullamat argued that the conviction distorted justice and amounted to the “criminalization of care,” portraying the accused as volunteer teachers and advocates who sought to protect Lumad children.

“These are not perpetrators of child abuse,” Cullamat said. “They are community advocates who shielded Indigenous children from harm.” Talaingod’s IPS however, said that such claims disregard the community’s own accounts and the findings of the courts, which it said were reached after examining evidence and testimony.

Former CPP members push back on opinion framing

Former members of CPP-linked organizations also responded to the renewed narrative advanced by Makabayan allies following the publication of an opinion piece by lawyer Tony La Viña questioning the conviction of the so-called “Talaingod 13.”

Rurelyn Bay-ao, a former youth organizer who has since left the movement, said the continuing portrayal of the case as a humanitarian injustice ignores how Lumad communities themselves have been affected.

“The Talaingod 13 have supporters and funding from abroad because they continue to use our story — the story of the Lumad — to generate sympathy and money,” Bay-ao said. “They have lawyers like Atty. La Viña and many allies. The Lumad children of Talaingod only have the truth, and we are glad the courts are listening.”

Bay-ao said the repeated framing of the case as an attack on Lumad education sidelines the voices of the very communities being cited in public debates.

Former CPP-NPA leader Arian Jane Ramos, now head of legal affairs of Buklod Kapayapaan, echoed the concern, saying the discussion risks losing sight of the core issue addressed by the courts.

“When children are caught in the middle of ideological battles, they are the ones who lose,” Ramos said. “Accountability should not be mistaken for repression.”