Reverse the unjust decision against the Talaingod 13! Defend Indigenous rights defenders!

KATRIBU joins the Global Day of Action to Defend the Talaingod 13 in calling for the reversal of the unjust court decision against the 13 Lumad teachers, human rights workers, and former BAYAN MUNA Partylist Rep. Satur Ocampo and former ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro; and in demanding justice for the Lumad communities of Mindanao.

On July 15, 2024, The Talaingod 13 were convicted by the Tagum City Regional Trial Court Branch 2 of “other forms of child abuse” after the thirteen participated in a humanitarian and solidarity mission in November 2018 that helped evacuate Lumad students and teachers from Talaingod, Davao del Norte. Those accused filed a Notice of Appeal to challenge the ruling, however the Court of Appeals released  a decision on December 19, 2025, affirming the conviction of the Talaingod 13—a heavy blow to human rights and to solidarity with the struggles of Indigenous Peoples.

The unjust court decision convicting the Talaingod 13 is not an isolated case of injustice. It is a weaponization of the legal system against Indigenous Peoples and those who stand in solidarity with their struggle for land, education, and self-determination. It seeks to criminalize humanitarian work, silence advocates, and justify the continuing attacks on Lumad communities.

The Talaingod 13’s rescue of Lumad students and teachers in 2018 was not a crime. It was a necessary response to the intense militarization, harassment, and violence inflicted upon communities asserting their rights to education and ancestral land. Lumad schools became targets because they empowered Lumad youth to defend their rights and preserve their culture. Those who helped protect Lumad children are now being punished, while the perpetrators of human rights violations continue to enjoy impunity.

The Marcos Jr. administration has not only continued but intensified the counterinsurgency policies of previous regimes. Across the country, Indigenous communities continue to face red-tagging, militarization, fabricated charges, forced evacuations, and killings amidst resistance to land grabbing projects such as mining, dams, and renewable energy imposed without genuine Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).

Leaders of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, who fight against the multitudes of destructive projects entering the Cordillera, are still designated as terrorists despite petitions to review the arbitrary designation. The Mangyan-Iraya are convicted of trespassing in their own ancestral land because of their rejection of Pieceland Corporation. Many other Indigenous communities across the country are being vilified due to their resistance.

As such, we must stand with the Talaingod 13 and call for the reversal of the unjust decision against them. Their case sheds light on the continuous state repression that persists. KATRIBU will continue to stand firmly with the Lumad and all advocates for Indigenous Peoples’ rights in advancing the just struggle for genuine land rights, human rights, and self-determination.

Reference: Funa-ay Claver, Secretary-General