More than two thousand Lumads are taking refuge in Tandag City Sports Complex as they were forced to flee from their homes and source of livelihood out of fear from the intensified military and paramilitary attacks in their communities.

These people are members of a Lumad organization called the Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) protesting mining operations, land conversions and plantations encompassing five municipalities of Surigao del Sur. MAPASU head Dionel Campos, tribal school Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) Executive Director Emerito Samarca, and community leader Bello Sinzo were allegedly killed by elements of the paramilitary group “Magahat-Bagani” last September 1, 2015 in Han-ayan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. According to Karapatan-Caraga, the gunmen woke members of the community very early that Tuesday morning and forced them to gather outside as they opened fire at Campos and Sinzo in front of the residents and teachers and students of ALCADEV.

On the other side of MAPASU area in Brgy. Siagao, Surigao del Sur, Lumad communities experienced threats and intimidation by AFP with the “Hasmin paramilitary group” that recently killed brothers Crisanto and Loloy Tabugol last August 28, 2015.

Witnessing the execution of their leaders and tribesmen and their lives brazenly threatened, Lumads were forced to flee their homes. As of September 8, a total of 2,783 individuals or 586 families from  seven barangays in six municipalities of Surigao del Sur are seeking refuge in the Sports Center. If the attacks in the hinterlands continue, more people are expected to evacuate.

Coming from Surigao del Sur which is one of the poorest provinces in the country, the Lumad victims are dependent on their farms where they were forced to flee from. Stripped of their belongings and deprived of their livelihood, they are now in urgent need of food, sanitary supplies, financial and other material support.

The Bread for Emergency Assistance and Development (BREAD, Inc.) and the Citizens’ Disaster Response Center (CDRC) are now accepting donations in cash and in kind (canned goods, rice, water, hygiene kit, sleeping mats, blankets, etc.).

You can deposit directly to the following accounts:

Peso Account:

Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center
Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch, Quezon City, Philippines
Account No. 636-3-63600741-3

Dollar Account:

Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center
Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch, Quezon City, Philippines
Account No. 636-2-63600158-3
Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

For inquiries, visit or call us at:

Citizens’ Disaster Response Center (CDRC)
72-A Times St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City, 1104 Philippines
Phone: +63 2 929 98 20
Fax: +63 2 929 98 22
Email: info@cdrc-phil.com