The National Democratic Front (NDF)-Mindoro reported on the afternoon of January 4 the deaths of three Mangyan children and two young students from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s relentless bombing and strafing in Barangay Cabacao, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro on January 1. Another civilian was seriously injured.

NDF-Mindoro earlier reported that the deaths included young researcher Jerlyn Rose Doydora, who suffered a fatal attack from her illness at the height of the AFP bombing. NDF-Mindoro received initial reports that another youth researcher got lost and also died in the bombing.

Two days after the bombing, villagers found the remains of three killed Mangyan children and their injured mother.

This belies the 203rd IBde’s claim that the bombing in Barangay Cabacao was for the welfare of the Mindoreño masses, according to NDF-Mindoro.

The two youth were among the group that earnestly requested to NDF-Mindoro an opportunity to interview and engage with farmers, indigenous people, and the New People’s Army. They wanted to understand the conditions of farmers and indigenous peoples and why they take up armed struggle.

According to NDF-Mindoro, AFP forces have custody of Doydora’s remains and are preventing the humanitarian mission of Karapatan-Southern Tagalog (ST) from conducting an investigation since January 3. Police and military are surveilling and harassing the Karapatan-ST team.

NDF-Mindoro again called on all human rights advocates and civic groups to help the families of Doydora and the other youth to recover their remains for proper wake and burial. NDF-Mindoro also urged groups to push for justice for the deaths of the three Mangyan-Iraya children and their mother’s injury.

Meanwhile, the AFP’s bombing and strafing also damaged the livelihoods of the indigenous people and farmers in the area. Reports mentioned that the bombing killed at least two cows and three pigs. It forced the evacuation of a total of 188 families, composed of 769 individuals, to Cabacao High School. In addition, 15 families or 59 people fled and are temporarily staying with relatives.

“The families and community of Abra De Ilog people who fell victims to the 203rd Brigade and 2nd IDPA bombing must receive assistance until justice is achieved for their tragic fate,” NDF-Mindoro spokesperson Ma. Patricia Andal said. NDF-Mindoro is asserting for the opening of a humanitarian corridor to assist the victims of military terrorism.

“The prevailing de facto Martial Law in Mindoro must end, and civilian authority and the power of the people must prevail on the island,” Ka Ma. Patricia urged.