Rivers of Resilience: The Unyielding Spirit of Katungod

The rivers of Katungod have long been a symbol of resilience and hope for the indigenous Lumad communities in Mindanao. Five years ago, on July 19, 2021, thirty Lumad students defied all odds and marched in graduation, their determination and perseverance an inspiration to all who witnessed the ceremony. The Bantayog ng mga Bayani hosted the event, and the graduates, who had endured displacement and pandemic, vowed to return and rebuild their communities.

The graduation ceremony, which took place at the UP Diliman, was a milestone in the struggle of the Lumad people for justice and self-determination. Eleven students finished Grade 12, despite the challenges they faced, and Chricelyn Empong, one of the graduates, promised to “come home to defend our land.” The event was attended by Datu Benito Bay-ao, who thanked the students' supporters for their unwavering commitment to the cause.

Fast-forward to 2026, and the promise of the Lumad graduates is being put to the test. The KATUNGOD 2026 conference, convened by the Institute of Human Rights of the UP College of Law, Kinaiyahan, the Mindanao Climate Justice Resource Facility, and Panaad Network, gathered to assess the state of justice in Mindanao. The conference, which took place at the Malcolm Theater in UP Diliman, was attended by over 300 delegates, including Lumad and Moro leaders, bishops, and lawyers.

The timing of the conference was significant, as it coincided with the two-year anniversary of the conviction of the Talaingod 13, a group of individuals who were found guilty of child abuse for their role in evacuating Lumad students from paramilitary threats. The case has been widely criticized as a miscarriage of justice, and the conference provided a platform for the delegates to present a people's assessment of the state of Mindanao.

Bishop Daniel Palicte, one of the speakers at the conference, highlighted the uncomfortable truth that dynasties are eyeing Mindanao as the decisive vote in the 2028 elections. He also listed the deep-seated wounds that remain unaddressed in Mindanao, including rights violations, disasters, hunger, and stalled Bangsamoro peace. The conference was a call to action, a reminder that the struggle for justice and self-determination in Mindanao is far from over.

The Talaingod case, which began in 2018, is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the Lumad communities. The case involved a solidarity mission to Talaingod, where volunteers evacuated Lumad students who were facing paramilitary threats. The state saw the evacuation as a kidnapping, and thirteen individuals, including Satur Ocampo, France Castro, and Salugpongan schools director Meggie Nolasco, were convicted of child abuse.

The conviction has been widely criticized, with many arguing that the Child Protection Act was weaponized to silence the Lumad communities. France Castro, one of the convicts, argued that helping and caring for the students deserved gratitude, not punishment. The students themselves testified in court, highlighting the importance of the evacuation and the role of the volunteers in saving their lives.

The KATUNGOD 2026 conference was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Lumad communities. Despite the challenges they face, the Lumad people remain committed to their struggle for justice and self-determination. As the country prepares for the 2028 elections, it is essential to remember the sacrifices and struggles of the Lumad people and to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are respected.