The Special Office for the Protection of Children of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines condemns in the strongest terms the killing of three Lumad, including a 12-year old girl, Angel Rivas last June 15, 2021.

The Duterte government never stops its murdering rampage and children are no exception to its brutality. Six members of the Lumad-Manobo tribe who had been harvesting abaca and were on their way home to their poblacion in Liang, Surigao del Sur, were indiscrimately fired upon by forces of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion killing Willy Rodriguez, Lenie Rivas and her 12-year old sister, Angel. Three other Lumad were able to run for safety.

Angel Rivas was a Grade 6 student of a Lumad school Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS). Willy Rodriguez and Lenie Rivas were members of the Lumad organization, Malhtayong Pakigbisog alang sa Sumusunod (Mapasu).

Angel was a quiet person, who excelled in school and agriculture, and dreamt of becoming a teacher.

Reports received stated that the faces and limbs of the victims were smashed. The genitalia of Lenie and Angel were reportedly shattered, leading to credible fears that they might have been raped before they were killed.

The military later brought the bodies of the three to the military brigade headquarters in St. Christine, Lianga. They claimed that the three were members of the New People’s Army. The truth is Rodriguez and Lenie Rivas were farmers, and 12 year old Angel was too young to be a member of the New People’s Army.

The NDFP Special Office for the Protection of Children reiterates that the New People’s Army has a strict policy that no person under 18 years of age can become a member of the New People’s Army.

The Special Office for the Protection of Children demands justice for Angel Rivas, Lenie Rivas and Willy Rodriguez.

Stop the killing of civilians!
Rape is a war crime. Stop the rape of women and children!
Let the Lumad till and live peacefully in their land.