Tullio Favali dopo 27 anni – un ricordo passato

Padre Peter Geremia ricorda l´assassinio del suo compagno - Video del 1991 -

Fr. Pops and his people’s dreams by Fr. Peter Geremia, PIME

October 17 as I was travelling from Columbio to Kidapawan a close friend called “Fr. Pops was shot!” I thought he was still alive but soon a nurse from the hospital texted” Fr.Pops is already dead, DOA, dead on arrival.” I rushed to the funeraria in Arakan and saw his body… At the spot where he was shot, I saw the blood under the car. He was about to enter the car and he was holding his cellphone when suddenly he met the executioner. Many shots, but soundless, nobody heard the shots. The executioner invisible, even though many people were nearby. He disappeared on a motorcycle like other motorcycle riders who have killed the Vigo couple in 2006 and Boy Billanes in 2009. From the autopsy later on, we saw what happened inside the body of Fausto. Two kinds of bullets, fragmentation or frangible bullets and hardhead bullets. One fragmentation bullet at the head with fragments all over his brain, 2 others fragmentation bullets at the heart that spread all over the heart and the lungs, plus one hard bullet to the heart. Other bullets at the side and the back of the body. Ten bullets alltogether. Overkill, the vital organs totally destroyed. The Medico-legal said that this kind of frangible bullets are very rare, he mentioned that in his practice he examined more than 1800 autopsies and he found only one other case with this kind of bullets. We asked how could the killer be provided with such sophisticated deadly weapons? The killer appeared to be so well trained, he knew his bullets, his guns, and he knew how to completely destroy his target, and he was provided not only with special weapons but also with a sure exit. He apparently was in no hurry, confident that nobody could stop him or run after him, even though at that time, there were many people and also many soldiers at the school compound very near. Who was the expert executioner? The masterminds and all those who assisted in the detailed planning so that the killer knew where to wait for Fausto, he knew the time of his approach to the car and all the possible interferences, all of them are now congratulating each other for a perfect crime. Some of us PIME Fathers told the authorities that the decision to eliminate Fausto appears to have come from very powerful personalities. We do not believe that the President has given the go signal like when Fr. Favali was killed during Martial Law, but it appears to us that these masterminds cannot be controlled by the highest authorities. Untouchables, above the law. Covered by high level backers, in a system of impunity like it happened with many other extra-judicial killings, like the Vigo couple, Boy Billanes, etc. Countless investigations have not produced conclusive results. Only the case of Fr. Tullio Favali obtained justice in court and the notorious killers led by Commander Bukay Manero were sentenced, they served 23 years in prison, then they asked for forgiveness… Fr. Pops represents the dreams of our common people in the Arakan area, all over the Diocese of Kidapawan, and all over Mindanao, what we call the PDOMES, Poor- Deprived- Oppressed- Marginalized- Exploited- Struggling masses. They tried to kill our dreams but they only added life to Pops. They expanded his presence and influence, now he is a much larger figure, and his death touched the heart of many more people. He used to be a low profile, shy type avoiding publicity, allergic to interviews or statements, a very simple and quiet active servant of the people as a priest, as a friend, as a companion. He has become now a new sign of the times, the bearer of the dreams of many victims and many dreamers who continue serving the people in their struggles. I do not know if he had time to pray before he lost consciousness. Many of us are asking” Where was God?” The Risen Christ said “I will be with you until the end of times! “He was also killed and raised to a new life. I believe that also Pops shares the resurrection of Christ, his new life. His spirit is alive in us, in all who share his dreams… In his last will he quoted the Prophet Micah (6:8)” O MORTALS, YOU WERE TOLD WHAT IS GOOD, WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF YOU: DO JUSTICE, LOVE MERCY, AND WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD. “He added his last message,” Your dreams are my dreams, your struggles are my struggles, you and I are only partners in building Gods’ Kingdom.” “ANG IMO PANGANDOY AKONG PANGANDOY, ANG IMONG PAKIGBISOG AKONG PAKIGBISOG, IKAW UG AKO USA RA KAUBAN SA PAGPANDAY SA GINGHARIAN SA DIOS.” … Pops we pray that we can continue to pursue your mission and the common dreams, with God’s help and your constant inspiration and the joint efforts of all your friends. Walk on! A long road to liberation.

(Fr. Peter Geremia, parish priest of Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, also an Italian missionary from the PIME, wrote this piece on October 21 in Arakan. Geremia was the intended target of the Manero brothers in 1985. While waiting for him to return from a visit to the hinterland villages on April 11, 1985, the paramilitary group harassed residents in Crossing 125, La Esperanza, Tulunan town in North Cotabato, prompting a resident to run to the parish convent. Geremia’s assistant parish priest, Tullio Favali, also an Italian PIME missionary, responded to the distress call on a motorcycle. He was gunned down, his motorcycle set on fire.)

A PARISH PRIEST with MISSIONARY SPIRIT by Fr. Peter Geremia

Last year was a year of transition for me. After 25 years as Diocesan Coordinator of the Tribal Filipino Program (TFP) based in Kidapawan I returned to Columbio as Parish Priest.

Year 2010 was my first year fulltime in Columbio (Sultan Kudarat, Diocese of Kidapawan). As Parish Priest I have an official role associated with government officials, but I feel I have also a prophetic role or missionary role. People have noticed that missionaries have a different style of life and special concerns. Personally, I feel my missionary vocation as a call to serve the Poor, Deprived, Oppressed, Marginalized,Exploited and Struggling People (PDOMES: see Vission Mission of the Diocese of Kidapawan). In the spirit of renewal of Vatican II and PCP II, I expect to be part of the renewing Church in the GKK, GLK, and Tri-People Organizations (GKK or BEC Basic Ecclesial Communities, GLK or BIC Basic Indigenous Communities). At times, I was questioned as a “trouble maker” and I suppose that sometimes I was one-sided, still that is part of my mission and even Jesus was called a “sign of contradiction”. Can Jesus challenge or convert us so that we can become agents of His Good News of Liberation, uniting in Kingdom Communities free from all evil influences in our worldly systems?

I keep on asking: Is Jesus alive in our church activities? How would He reach out to people beyond church activities? How would he become involved with the PDOMES? How would He react to our Pharises, our Herodes and Pilates? I keep on praying to be granted the spirit of Jesus and I try to revive His presence, rekindle His fire in our activities…..Allow me to mention a few examples of this process of renewal:

Part I: Church Activities

1. The PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL (PPC) now gathers monthly in different communities, the participation has greatly increased. Their updates and discussions are often lively focusing both on Church activities and community concerns.

2. KAABAG OR LITURGICAL MINISTERS. A new batch was trained and the old ones renewed their commitment. They have ongoing formation every month, they are challenged to revive the dynamism of the Bible, of Salvation History that continous now and maybe approaching the “Parousia”.

3. The BIBLE SERVICES with Communion challenges the participants to experience that Jesus is alive when they gather in His name and they also become instruments of peace, reconcillation and liberation.

4. CIRCLES OF DISCERNMENT was a special process of Bible Sharing held from house to house in preparation of the Elections. We joined in asking the spirit of renewal from the Political corruption searching for more responsible leaders.

5. GKK or BEC ASSEMBLIES were held in order to renew the members participation and to renew the style of Lay leaders to become more compassionate and caring for the lowly, like Jesus, and not worry only about policies and financial support.

6. CATHECHISTS were also trained as agents of renewal. Few continued their missions.

7. VOCATIONS: we supported both Seminarians and Asspirants to become sisters, several tried but some withdrew after a while.

8. TEMPORARY PARTNERS IN THE MINISTRY. A candidate for Priesthood, Rev. Norlito Pantaleon, spent about four months with us and Rev. Rogene Pervandos, PIME for a shorter time, they assisted greatly in the Circles of Discernment, Holy Week, Liturgies, Youth Recollections, Kaabag Formation, etc. Also Lloyd Dangdang, a PIME applicant joined for some time. Fr. Boboy Catan,PIME from November 20 to New Year was very much appreciated all throughout the Christmas celebrations.

9. THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF FR. TULLIO FAVALI’S DEATH on April 11 revived the spirit of the martyrs. Many people who still remember Fr. Tullio gathered under the sun at the Crossing Ezperanza where he was murdered. Our Bishop, the PIME Vicar General, Delegates from Mantova, many priests and sisters joined the large family of martyrs celebrating Day of Martyrs. Many Lay leaders gave their lives like Tullio, they did that because they believed that our Christian Communities can continue to proclaim the Good News of Salvation to the Poor and become living examples of Justice and Peace and Solidarity in all aspects of life. It is up to us now to continue their mission.

10. The death of FR. STEVE BAUMBUSCH, PIME on October 29 was deeply felt by us, many remembered him when he was in Columbio, his special attention to the youth, scholars, choir and musicals,etc. On December 7 the 40th days celebration was filled both with emotions and happy memories. At the Bell Tower, a place of remembrance was set up with a painting of his happy face and the faces of some other Lay Leaders who are with him in the next life. Also FR. RICKY LUSUEGRO was remembered by some.

Part II: Community Services

While searching for the spirit of renewal in church activities, I have concentrated with equal passion in social involvements also searching for the way of liberation of our communities from the dominant system of corruption.

1. The LITTLE FARMERS OF SAINT ISIDORE SCHOOL, a Parochial Elementary school and Kinder was started by the previous Parish Priest Fr. Jun Lapaz,DCK. At first, I was hesitant to take responsibility of this school because it is available only to those who can afford to pay. But I accepted to journey with them in promoting education for service and not only for climbing in the present corrupt system. The number of students increased up to 98, our church compound is always filled with children. I try to promote teachers upgrading and value formation.

2. The TRIBAL FILIPINO PROGRAM is now parish based,we continue to support the tribal organizations in their struggles:

We sponsor 7 Day Care and 7 Tribal Youth classes with about 200 students. We train their teachers and monitor their classes. We also assist about 100 Adozioni and they share their support with additional 200 children with a total of 300.

At the Training Center, we have 20+ student boarders selected from the children of active community leaders who also grow up in th spirit of community service.

3. The TRI-PEOPLE ORGANIZATIONS:Tribal, Muslim and Christian sectoral groups consolidated in the Columbio Multi- Sectoral Ecology Movement (CMEM). These organizations have been very active in all issues of Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation. I participate as adviser and overall coordinator. The main efforts in 2010 were:

Voters Education for the Elections in May. Massive info drives were held in all barangays, an stimated 3,000 people participated. It was a tremendous effort to reform the corrupt election process. The Peoples Agenda was formulated and widely discussed. There was less violence, still vote buying was rampant and the candidates with less money could not be elected. At the National level the new President vowed to fight corruption and to reduce poverty , also to resume peace talks, etc. We hope and pray that some changes may happen.

MILITARY and ARMED GROUPS. Last year the Community Based Special Operation Teams (CB-SOT) soldiers who set up their outposts among the civillians, they threatened to paralize our Peoples Organizations and even church activities. They organized the Barangay Defense System (BDS) in an attempt to use civillians as counter insurgency agents and to protect the projects of Development Aggression like mining, plantations, etc. But after election, the military became more tolerant and friendly to civillians. Still there is a climate of insecurity with armed groups and government troops presuring the civillians.

The PEACE GOVERNANCE in MINDANAO is a new program sponsored by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) reaching out to LGU, Academe, Religious Leaders and even the Military and Police and our sectoral groups. A very efffective reconcillation process among clans involved in long-standing conflicts has defused tension in the community.

The TRI-PEOPLE YOUTH held Culture of Peace Seminars and a Youth Peace Camp on December 27-30 with 127 young people Tribal, Muslim and Christians who participated in a very exciting process of sharings, games and dramatic activities. The camp concluded with the LAUNCHING OF THE YOUTH and KIDS FOR PEACE: a silent parade was held followed by a symbolic program in front of the Municipal Hall challenging everyone to become agents of peace and reconcillation.

OPPOSITION TO MINING. The gigantic mining project SAGITTARIUS MINES INCORPORATED (SMI) is treatening to disrupt the ecological balance all around Columbio and in several provinces. Last year, the Public Scoping Hearings did not give a fair chance to the opposition to present their side. This year a new Petition and an Open Letter were sent to the new President. Then finally a special consultation was granted to our opposition groups on August 2 as part of the Environmental Impact Assesment (EIA). Our sectoral leaders presented their stands and debated with the SMI experts. They were promised that their views will be included in the EIA process, but we dont know if the project will be finally approved or not. On December 11, the Bishops of Marbel and Digos, gathered the priests and lay leaders in the parishes directly affected by the SMI project. Our parish also joined and we agreed to coordinate efforts in the three Dioceses to help the people realize what is happening to our lands and our life- support –systems.

Many other community activities could be mentioned. I feel both church and community involvements are part of my pastoral responsibilities and more so of my missionary vocation.

I am still searching for God’s plan of Salvation for our people here, I need to be constantly recharged by the Spirit of Good News to the Poor as long as I can continue my mission here.

(Fr.Peter)

25th anniversary in Kidapawan

The Church of Kidapawan will launch on Feb. 24 a “case study on development” regarding Indigenous People (IP) communities living in different areas of the Diocese. The study will be mainly a research project enriched with “success stories of farmers in ancestral domain development.”
On the same day the Diocese will celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Tribal Filipino Program (TFP) under the theme: “TFP Journeying and Renewing Commitment as Partners with the Indigenous Peoples (IP) for their Right to Self Determination.” It will be an occasion to remember the history of IPs as well and it will be done through cultural presentation”, like the “tri-people youth and children from Columbio Valley and Sitio Tungaw, Magpet ”. IP leaders and partners who have long been serving the “Lumad” communities (Mindanao is the land of 18 indigenous group and ‘lumad’ is their collective name) for at least 15 years will be given plaques of recognition and appreciation. As for PIMEs Fr. Peter Geremia has been for more then 25 years TPF Coordinator of the Diocese with his mainly concern for the B’laang communities of Columbio while fr.Fausto Tentorio is coordinating a sustainable program for the Manobos in Arakan Valley which he started late in the 80s.

Forgiven

Human Face
Father Geremia forgiving Norberto Manero
Ma. Ceres P. Doyo

What was it that drove a man to such bewildering heights and plunged him to such lonely depths? What voices did he hear? What lights, what darkness had he seen? What visions, what dreams?

Fr. Peter Geremia, a man so outwardly driven yet so inwardly drawn, had written in a diary his experiences, thoughts and more importantly, his painful prayers during his years of missionary work in this country. I was fortunate to be allowed to read his diary which was later published as a book (“Dreams and Bloodstains: The Diary of a Missioner in the Philippines”). Long before the book came out, I did a magazine feature, titled “The Diary of Fr. Peter Geremia.”

Through his raw diary he very reluctantly, almost wearily, let some of us see his core, the shreds of his life and whatever was left of himself. His diary was also an oppressed people’s bitter story, distilled and kept in one man’s prayer cup.

Geremia continues to walk with all of us. In his younger days, he waded through the floods of Laguna province, the squalor of Manila’s Tondo district, and the blood in Mindanao. He has plumbed the bowels of this land.

He should have been dead by now. It was he who was hunted and supposed to be gunned down by paramilitary fanatics who blew off the brains of fellow Italian Fr. Tullio Favali, his co-pastor in Tulunan town in the southern province of North Cotabato, on April 11, 1985.

Geremia’s diary of the 1980s is littered with dead bodies, punctuated with bullet holes and drenched with people’s tears. Blood oozes and embers fall. But like unseen fire, his prayers rise above the wailing, the gun smoke and the ashes.

Written unguardedly, the diary sounds like letters to the God he so loves, fears and hungers for, a God so loving but sometimes painfully silent and devastating. There are moments of peace and humor, and one can see the priest riding on a crest of joy. The next moment, he is mercilessly smashed against the rocks.

Also part of the diary are theological and historical reflections and reviews of books he found time to read when the guns were silent. In reports to superiors and associates, he could be dispassionate and scholarly, but when he writes about ordinary people, he too becomes ordinary, that is, passionate, prayerful, vulnerable — a priest.

Active men can also be contemplative men, and contemplatives are not people who have completely turned their backs to the world. From the tumult in Latin America have come a wealth of writings that show how inextricably linked active struggle for justice was with the spiritual life. “The Guerrilla Journal of Nestor Paz, Christian” hints at this. From monasteries and prisons have come literary and theological works tackling burning worldly issues. Trappist monk Thomas Merton of “Seven-Storey Mountain” fame produced volumes of these.

Geremia, who belongs to the Pontifical Institute for the Foreign Missions, is neither monk nor guerrilla. He simply calls himself a “wounded healer” and although his wounds are not physical, they are real, and it is through his journals that his inner experiences find utterance.

Geremia was born 71 years ago in Castel di Godego (Castle of the Gods) near Treviso in northern Italy. A child of war and destruction, Geremia carries memories of that dark period in history.

With all that on my mind, I read with a feeling of peace the most recent news story on Geremia and Manero.

“Manero seeks, receives forgiveness from Italian priest he planned to kill.” This was the headline of a story in the Inquirer’s Across the Nation section.

The story said that convicted priest killer Manero who was recently released from prison met last Monday with Geremia, the priest whom he had planned to kill 24 years ago. (Fr. Tullio Favali was the one who was gunned down by the Manero brothers, Norberto and Edilberto.) Manero, along with his wife Evelyn, relatives and lawyer went to the bishop’s residence in Kidapawan City and met with Geremia.

The story by Jeoffrey Maitem quoted Father Geremia as saying, “Manero personally asked for forgiveness (from) me. We already forgave him. He also renewed a 2005 pact he signed with us to prove that he would no longer return to the violent life he led in the 1980s. We had a prayer service, too, and he reiterated that he was serious in observing his promise.”

He also told the priest that he no longer wanted to be called “Commander Bukay.” A photo showed Manero visiting Father Favali’s grave.

Here is Geremia’s entry in his diary after Father Favali was killed:

“Tullio killed last April 11. Killed in my place. I missed my chance. I was given a new life no longer mine. Many say I should be grateful but I am more disappointed. I was rejected even in death. As I wanted to die, they could not do me the favor. Maybe they sensed my desire, maybe they wanted to see me running away from death in panic before they finished me off. I have become a ghost for many, a dead man who has returned to life. I saw Tullio on the road with his brain scattered around, his mouth eating dirt, his blood like a dark carpet. The killer repeated that they would do even worse for me, they would hang me from a post and torture me before killing me.

“Tullio came into my life like a stranger. I did not know him before. We lived together but in separate worlds. I could never share with him my inner struggles and he was taken by his (own) struggle. We were running with all our strength, without looking much at the obstacles or each other.

“Until he fell down without knowing what hit him. And I am still running, waiting to fall at any moment as he did, and without knowing where I am going. Run, baby, run!”
“Dreams and bloodstains” end in forgiveness. In this season of Lent
(Philippine Daily Inquirer 02/06/2008)

George and Macel

Fr. Peter Geremia

George & Maricel Vigo: United in love, in commitments and in death
George and Maricel Vigo came to visit me on June 19, 2006, just before being killed. Of course they didn’t envision a violent death on that day. They didn’t even mention threats or issues. They focused on their own personal and family concerns. It was a sort of renewal of their personal relationship and their deepest commitments.
After our long sharing, they walked away holding hands like young lovers. They looked as if that was the happiest moments of their life, a peak experience. They poured out so much affection that I was amazed.
As they rode home, they were shot down like birds flying in the sky.
A couple of days later I saw a picture on top of their coffin. They were standing together by Lake Agco, the magic lake near the peak of Mt. Apo. That’s where the tribal leaders held their ritual, the D’yandi or Blood Compact, vowing to defend the sacred mountain, which they call Apo Sandawa, “to the last drop of their blood.” On that spot George and Macel made their own vow to one another and to the oppressed. When I saw that picture I could feel the vibration of their burning love for one another, for the oppressed, for nature, for the values of peace and justice.
Why didn’t the spirits of Nature warn them about the immediate danger to their life? Their 13-year-old son would ask, “Why were they sacrificed like innocent lambs?” I could not protect them; maybe I added to the risks they were facing. God certainly knew what was about to happen. They were chosen for the special privilege of becoming martyrs.
Those who plan to kill them knew what was happening. How many saw that horrible murder coming and did not stop it? How can they live with their consciences now? How can they look at their children and see the children of George and Macel, like shadows in the dark
They showed they can kill even a women in a public place without any fear of being stopped, as if they have a license to kill. Some say this is a warning to all activists. It is the season for hunting down popular community leaders. They say it is a national campaign funded by the masterminds of the war on terrorism, or better, the war or terror.
This is the sickness of vigilantes and fanatical groups—like when Fr. Tulio Favali was killed during Martial Law. They think atrocities will make them more powerful. And they are masters of deceit. In fact, the official investigators deceived Macel’s mother to sign a statement attributing the killing to New People’s Army (NPA). They accused George and Macel of supporting the NPA, then they blame the rebels for their killing. They also blame the rebels for Favali’s murder, but gradually the truth was revealed by witnesses who overcame fear and threats, sustained by solidarity of many supporters who took a stand—”tama na, sobra na” (enough).
George and Macel grew up during the last years of Martial Law. During their student years, they joined our Task Force Apo Sandawa, an alliance of church groups, NGO’s, and Peoples Organization (PO) committed to protecting the environment of the Indigenous People (IP) and all the oppressed sectors. They both served in the Diocesan programs, Tribal Filipino Program (TFP), and Justice and Peace Integrity of Creation Program (JPIC). Then they found jobs in various NGOs to support their growing family.
Both of them joined the Federation of Reporters for Empowerment and Equality (FREE) and they struggled to launch a local paper called “Apo Sandawa”, then a second paper called “Headliner.” In 2001 the offices of Headliner was burned to the ground, suspected arson attack because of their reporting. George was also involved as a local producer for a number of BBC World Service radio and television documentaries and features. He also helped produce “Islands Under Siege,” which aired on America’s most respected documentary program, Frontline. George became a UCAN correspondent which stands for Catholic Asian News. Their voices became familiar to the public in the local radio stations and as a journalist they constantly projected the voice of the poor, oppressed, exploited and struggling masses.
Since the time of the All Out War in the year 2000, which raged around us here, they were among the most active Peace Advocates joining in human rights investigations, relief and rehabilitation missions, peace rallies, and so on. In particular, they proposed and formed a group called Kids for Peace, bringing their own children together with others to express their expectations for peace.
They became very much involved in promoting pro-people politics through education and grassroots organizing. In 2004 they were among the conveners of KALAMPAG- Kotobatenyos for Good Government, an alliance of POs, NGOs, church-based and civic groups of concerned citizens who promote “a style of leadership respectful of all our people and to heal the wounds of the victims of abusives.”
We wonder if they became targets because of their participation in KALAMPAG or because of all their community involvements. They were considered moderate activists, journalists working within the system—young professionals who cared deeply for family and community values.
George often introduced himself as my ‘junior’, implying that he wanted to continue my way of serving the people around us. Macel always shared her deepest secrets. Now I feel their deaths are also my death, like when Fr. Favali was killed in my place.
They can kill people like George and Macel, like Favali and other martyrs, but they cannot kill our dreams and commitments. The power of hatred can shock and scare many, but the power of the kind of love that George and Macel shared will grow beyond death. As it happened with Christ: he was condemned and crucified, but he rose to new life and he promised that all those who follow his way to the cross will experience resurrection, but I believe it is being generated like a seed underground, watered by the blood of martyrs. Those who share their spirit and their passion for truth and justice, for peace, and solidarity, will continue their struggle.
Our tribe is decreasing. So many progressive leaders killed, others paralyzed by threats, particularly here in Kidapawan. The worst trend is the indifference of the majority—from the authorities to academics, even churches and NGOs—who appear to have lost their prophetic voices. The majority of the media are used by the masterminds of deception. Even the Department of Justice and the courts make a mockery of the system of justice.
As a result a new wave of vigilantism and fanaticism is sweeping the land, and true democracy is being suffocated under blood and fear. Some say that, because of the pervasive influence of consumerism, the culture of corruption promoted by the media and internet, the commercialization of vices and the make-belief world of entertainment, many people are prevented from facing reality. Thus many families break down, the young are alienated, and very few leaders can be credible to the masses of the oppressed. Maybe now the victims or the martyrs can become the new modules for the counter culture that can fill wounds of violence and generate new Peace Advocates like George and Macel.

Minacce

Peter Geremia

Pietro Geremia.

I Padri del PIME nelle Filippine si avviano a Zamboanga per gli Ezercizi Spirituali, per ricaricarsi spiritualmente e per rinnovare lo spirito di gruppo.
Ci ritroviamo una volta o due all’anno e quasi non ci accorgiamo se qualcuno sparisce. Per esempio il P. ANGELO BIANCAT ci ha lasciato d’improvviso nel 2002 e poi e’ morto di cancro nel 2005.
Dopo di Angelo sono rimasto io il veterano, l’unico superstite dei primi Pimini qua nelle Filippine. Ricordo P. Piero Bonaldo e P. Santo Di Guardo stroncati da malaattia. I due Martiri P. Tullio Favali e Salvatore Carzedda sono arrivati qua dopo di me. Di salute incerta son sempre stato in piedi per miracolo e ho ricevuto tante minacce, anzi il Favali fu uccisio al mio posto, ed ora due laici impegnati molto vicini a me sono stati uccisi il 19 giugno scorso.
George e Maricel Vigo, marito e moglie, di anni 35 e 37, con 5 figli.
Quel pomeriggio abbiamo parlato a lungo in ufficio, e mentre tornavano a casa in moto sono stati seguiti da un’altra moto e mentre le due moto correvano fianco a fianco come amici che si salutavano, il killer ben esperto ha sparato ad ambedue e lentamente son caduti insieme con la loro moto. Gli assassini hanno continuato la loro corsa come se niente fosse avvenuto. Seguivano tricicli e machine piene di gente. Han portato i due all’ospedale ormai senza vita…
Uccisori “killers” in moto sono di moda. Un’altro radio commentatore fu ucciso allo stesso modo alcuni giorni dopo in Digos, una citta’ vicina. E’ tempo di caccia per giornalisti e attivisti. Si son moltiplicati gli agenti segreti e informatori con moto e telefonini, ben allenati e ben pagati, e con armi di ogni genere.
Nel piccolo paese di Columbio sono apparsi d’improvviso 26 moto, nelle mani di un gran numero di agenti segreti, e giorni fa’ due di essi hanno sfoggiato le loro pistole mentre passavo io. La gente si e’ spaventata. Abbiamo chiamato il sindaco, ma ha detto che sono agenti militari e non puo’ farci niente… Giorni fa’ sono state benedette 37 moto nuove nel campo militare a Cotabato.
La Presidente GMA ha annunciato che ha ricevuto un sacco di soldi dal Pres. George Bush per la campagna contro i terroristi. Ha espresso la volonta’ di eliminare tutti i ribelli e tutti coloro che li aiutano. Ora le organizzazioni popolari come le nostre organizzazioni tribali sono dichiarate “fronti legali dei ribelli.”
Alcuni di noi siamo tanto impegnati con queste organizzioni tribali, anzi io ho ricevuto il Premio per la Pace proprio da GMA nel 2001 per l’impegno con queste organizzazioni che promuovono pace e sviluppo in tante comunità tribali…
Purtroppo i nostri tribali desiderano sviluppo dal basso con produzione agricola per sussistenza, mente gli investitori impongono sviluppo dall’alto, con piantagioni, miniere e grandi progetti che invadono i territori dei tribali con l’aiuto dei militari, e chi non gradisce cio’ viene considerato ribelle e terrorista….
Qua dopo l’uccisione di George e Maricel si son sparse minacce agli avvocati che si prestano a favore delle vittime dei dirittti umani e per i diritti alle terre dei tribali o dei piccoli contadini. I sindacati di contadini e lavoratori sono presi di mira. Cosi’ pure giornalisti e radio commentatori che espongono abusi. Qua non ci sono partiti chiari, ma le cosidette “party lists” di sinistra sono i bersagli più comuni. Alcune NGO e gruppi di varie chiese sono pure sospetti se assistono o mostrano compassione per le vittime…
Ultimamente la presidente GMA ha dichiarato di voler frenare questo tipo di ammazzamenti chiamati “Extra-judicial killings”. Ma nonostante gli annunci ufficiali gli ammazzamenti continuano a ritmo accelerato. Il 31 luglio un dottore e la mmoglie, parenti di un vescovo e di famiglie ben rispettate, hanno subito un’imoscata da un gruppo mascherato, la moglie uccisa e il marito in grave condizione. Nello stesso giorno nella regione di Bicol un giovane studente fu colpito da assassini in moto in una universita’ cattolica, e a Manila un’altro giornalista ammazzato. Tre in un giorno, e quasi ogni giorno ci sono vittime del genere.
Il 3 agosto ancora in zona Bicol un Pastore Metodista e lider di un movimento di contadini e’ stato prelevato da casa da 10 uomini mascherati e ucciso in riva al fiume. La famiglia grida che gli assassini sono stati dei militari, anzi uno e’ rimasto ucciso con la pistola in pugno e in tasca gli han trovato l’ordine di uccidere il Pastore. I vicini di casa son corsi subito sul posto e dicono che il Pastore era allenato all’autodifesa e riuscì ad aggrappare la mano dell’assassino che pare sia rimasto colpito dalla sua stessa arma….

Storie incredibili?
Gruppi impegnati per i Diritti Umani hanno dichiarato che dal 2001 quando GMA fu instaurata come presidente con l’appoggio di tante organizzazioni popolari, al giorno d’oggi ben più di 700 uccisioni extralegali di questo genere. Tra essi una settantina di donne e una quarantina di bambini colpiti in massacri di famiglie. Una ventina tra le vittime erano impegnati in programmi di chiese varie. Le uccisioni sono concentrate in alcune zone dove i militari hanno lanciato operazioni militatri per eliminare i ribelli e le organizzzazioni che li aiutano in qualsiasi modo. Ora e’ il turno della nostra zona. I ribelli sono sui monti specialmente nei territori dei tribali, ci sono operazioni militari in corso e allo stesso tempo uccisioni di leaders della società civile, come George e Maricel.

Chi sarano le prossime vittime?
Il Vescovo mi ha avvisato di non andare a Columbio durante questo mese di agosto. Io accetto a malincuore perche’ devo abbandonare i tribali nel tempo di pericolo. Ci sono sfollati e tanta paura… Spero e prego che tra qualche settimana possa tornare a Columbio regolarmente.

Non solo a Columbio, ci sono minacce anche in altri posti in Diocesi. Per esempio a Magpet un intelligence team di militari ha fatto un report ufficiale dove dicono che io ho organizzato i ribelli negli anni 80 e continuo a seguirli. Attaccano in particolare le organizzazioni tribali che accusano di essere la facciata del movimento dei ribelli che e’sotteraneo o segreto.
La storia si ripete. Già nel 1985 quando P. Favali fu ucciso han tentato di uccidere me mentre scendevo da una comunità tribale che avevo aiutato a difendere il loro territorio da politici che volevano metter su un rancho per allevamento bestiame cacciando via i tribali. Poi nel 1987 son stato imprigionato con accuse di stupro a una ragazzina, era il tempo dei fanatici “Tadtad o Taglia-Taglia” che ammazzavano con contellaci di notte e riuscirono a paralizzare le nostre organizzazioni per up certo periodo di tempo. Ma dopo il bagno di sangue dei Tadtad abbiamo ripreso come prima e più di prima, anzi parrecchi dei tribali che erano stati indottrinati come Tadtad son tornati a partecipare nelle nostre organizzazini. Nel 1992 sono stato arrestato nuovamente ed imprigiornato per un mese con accuse di ‘robbery’ di 10,000 sacchi di riso che furono distribuiti a Columbio durante il tempo di carestia. Anche questo fu un tentativo di bloccare le nostre organizzazioni, ma poi le accuse furono dichiarate false in tribunale. Dopo di che le organizzazioni si svilupparono rapidamente, specialmente nell’anno 1998 durante la più vasta carestia che mieto’ tante vite tra i tribali mentre le organizzazioni ottenero aiuti e salvarono tante comunita’ da morte imminente. Nel 2000 scoppió la guerra con i ribelli mussulmani e si formó un movimento di solidarietà con capi religiosi mussulmani per aiutare i loro sfollati. Si organizzó un vasto movimento per la pace, in cui George e Maricel Vigo furono molto attivi.
Nel 2001 la presidente GMA prese il posto del presidente Estrada con l’appoggio di tante organizzazioni popolari. GMA fece solenni promesse di rovesciare la policy di guerra ad oltranza o “All-Out War” di Estrada e istaurare la policy di pace ad oltranza o “All-Out-Peace”,
Mostro’ simpatia per le organizzazioni impegnate per la pace, e fu l’occasione che diede il premio della pace a me in riconoscimento del lavoro delle nostre organizzazioni. Si sperava che fosse la fine delle accuse…
Senonche’ nel 2003 i militari iniziarono una nuova campagna armando gruppi di tribali per dar la caccia ai ribelli. Uno di questi gruppi seguirono le tracce di P. Tentorio in una zona remota dell’Arakan, ma una famiglia lo nascose sotto un banco come un’animale braccato e cosi’ riusci’ a cavarsela.
Poi alcuni tribali che avevano partecipato nelle nostre organizzazioni cambiarono bandiera e insieme con il militari lanciarono una campagna contro di noi e le nostre organizzazioni andando di villaggio in villaggio dicendo che eravamo in conbutta con i ribelli e li aiutavamo in vari modi a suon di milioni. Ci furono vari dialoghi e finalmente il colonello capo in zona dichiaro’ pubblicamente che tutte queste accuse erano storie fabbricate….
Ora le stesse storie girano con nuove varianti sempre più piccanti. Con il Vescovo si parla di fare un’altra serie di dialoghi con i capi militari. Speriamo che anche questa bufera passi…
Il pericolo maggiore e’ che alcuni warlord o capi mafia locali prendano l’occasione di questa campagna della presidente GMA di farla finita con tutti i terroristi o chi li aiutano per farla finita con persone legali ben rispettate come erano George e Maricel Vigo, e come siamo anche noi.
In fatti abbiamo capi mafia politici in alte posizioni e anche capi tribali che sono diventati strumenti del terrore in corso.
La presidente GMA ha fama democratica e di devota cristiana a livello internazionale, e’ anche andata a visitare il Papa. Ma non sappiamo se si sia confessata bene.

PEACE – BUILDING AMONG LUMADS

PEACE – BUILDING AMONG LUMADS IN THE MIDST OF WAR
Rick R. Flores

Work for volunteers and development workers at the tiny office of the Apo Sandawa Lumandnong Panaghiusa sa Cotabato (ASLPC) has intensified after the battle erupted in nearby Pikit, North Cotabato last February 11 between government troops and Moro rebels.
Together with Fr. Peter Geremia, the ASLPC staff had mounted activities in response to the emergency situation in several municipalities in North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. Despite the pressure ASLPC, in partnership with the Tribal Filipino Program (TEP), had continuously assisted indigenous communities in their struggle to secure their lands but its work faces an uphill battle: sustaining peace-building efforts and community organizing in the midst of a raging war. ASLPC is a federation of tribal organizations in the 10 municipalities of Cotabato Province and one in Sultan Kudarat. Formed in May 1993 as an umbrella organization that would push for the demands of indigenous peoples (IPs), ASLPC has facilitated the expansion of local IP networks and coordinated their efforts geared towards the recognition of ancestral domains (AD) being claimed by various IP communities.“ We assume the role of facilitating the consciousness raising of IPs and to organize, consolidate, and mobilize the tribal communities as legitimate means in defending and gaining recognition of their AD and their way of life,” says Fr. Geremia.The federation also aims to strengthen the unity of IPs in North Cotabato towards a more effective defense and management of their AD, in particular. ASLPC aims to strengthen and expand the Cotabato-wide organization of ASLPC and its 10 local organizations; delineate and legally secure at least 20,000 hectares of ancestral domains claims; pilot sustainable resource management projects in the three key priority organized areas; and conduct initial women organizing.ASLPC also established linkages with other Lumad organizations and advocacy groups to push its agenda and draw support for the Lumad cause and issues in Cotabato. Through its representative, ASLPC joined the Southern Mindanao Alliance of IP Organizations called PASAKA. It also participated in the fora and discussions on mining initiated by PANAGTAGBO.

A total of 47,945 hectares of ancestral lands are currently processed for the issuance of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim, exceeding the targeted 20,000 hectares by 239.7%. Out of the 6,370 hectares ready for survey and release of CADC, only 3,200.15 hectares in Manobisa and Lebpas are followed-up and released by the DENR, registering a 50.24% accomplishment. Before the actual processing of the documents needed for the issuance of CADC, leaders’ meeting and consultations were conducted to the affected communities by the Ancestral Domain Coordinating Committees (ADDC) formed in the municipalities where the claims are located. ADCC handled the preparation of the documents to be filed in the DENR, likewise, ADCC also facilitated educational activities and other trainings in relation to the AD claims of the IPs.However, there is the need to intensify the implementation of consciousness-raising activities in the tribal communities by activating the sectoral groups of women, youth, elders and farmers and encouraging them to continue with the traditional practices of defending and developing the ancestral lands.
According to Aquino Manial, ASLPC chair, there is a need to continue and sustain the alternative education process through the Tribal Filipino Program (TFP) of the Diocese of Kidapawan with church support and local counterpart. For the organizing and advocacy, AD processing and development ASLPC can provide onl;y minimal follow-up and support. Same thing goes for relief and medical missions and other emergency responses and the commonly health program.Through funding from Oxfam-UK, various initiatives were undertaken since 1996 but support from the donor agency officially ended last June 2002
“Since then, ASLPC applied for another funding support from DKA-Australia but no definite response has been made yet,” says Manial. The most pressing needs of the IP communities are to sustain the organizing so that IPs can continue the struggle for land and food (advocacy, ancestral domain processing and development), survival in spite of repeated evacuations. ASLPC estimates that there are around 32,000 individuals and families who have evacuated from the areas served by ASPLC like Colombio, Carmen, and Pres. Roxas-all in North Cotabato. In an effort to revive the indigenous and sustainable cultural practices on farming system, ASLPC installed the SRM component (Sustainable Resource Management) as its strategy. Integrated in this component are the documentation of the old practices, listing of the traditional varieties of rice, corn and other indigenous crops, establishment of nursery, implementation of appropriate land technology and trainings. Three organized areas were identified as pilot areas for sustainable farming system, namely; Namuwaran, Manobisa, Magpet, Marudamel, Kabulakan, Matalam, Buluan, Lebpas and Pres. Roxas. For Fr. Geremia and Manial, the poverty situation that pervades in the tribal communities can be eradicated through collective action and strength.“We believe in the innate capacity of the IPs to chart their own destiny, to organize themselves and to support their initiatives with the use of their own local resources. The struggle of the IP organizations is not only to gain lands and food security but also recognition of IP rights and respect for cultural identity. This implies the awareness and respect for the IP culture and values within the IP communities within support groups even the public in general,” they said.
(Rick R. Flores is the Program Officer of MINCODE- an umbrella organization of 11 networks of Mindanao-wide NGOs and Pos)

Court Case Against Accused in the Favali Murder to be Dismissed out of Compassion

Fr. Peter Geremia

ARSENIO VILLAMOR, Jr. was one of the accused in the murder of Fr. TULLIO FAVALI, PIME on April 11,1985, together with Norberto Manero, Jr. alias Commander Bukay and companions. Eight of the accused were sentenced to life imprisonment but Mr. Villamor went into hiding as a fugitive from justice and was arrested only on September 13, 1998.
Then a case was filed against him for murder of Fr. Favali and for attempt murder of Rufino Robles, one of the local church leaders who was  shot and wounded just before the killing of Fr. Favali.
These two cases are still pending at the Regional Court [RTC] of Kidapawan. The Prosecution has not yet finished presenting the evidence and the Defense will follow. This means that the court proceedings are expected to last for several more years.
On February 8, 2003 Mr. Arsenio Villamor, Jr. came to the Diocese of Kidapawan together with his daughter and another relative and in the presence of Bishop Romulo Valles, Fr. Peter Geremia, Atty. Greg Andolana, Rufino Robles  and Domingo Gomez he presented his request for clemency. Mr. Villamor presented three handwritten letters addressed to the Bishop, to Fr. Peter and Rufino Robles.
In his letter and in his personal comments Mr. Villamor explained that he is already 64 years old and he is suffering from various sickness such as diabetes, cyrrosis of the liver and pneumonia. He pleaded to stop the trial against him out of compassion and in order to be reconciled with the church.

According to the RTC decision of July 17, 1987 which was confirmed by the Supreme Court decision of January 29, 1985 with the Manero groups and:
“ They talked of a plan to kill some persons that day. Then Arsenio Villamor, Jr. wrote on a cigarette wrapper the following: NPA versus NPA, starting Fr. Peter… The all agreed to the proposal of Edilberto that if they could not kill Fr. Peter they would kill anyone who is an Italian. Upon the suggestion of Arsenio Villamor, Jr. they all moved to the cock house about 100 meters away to finish their plan…
This was the most direct testimony against Mr. Villamor. Then during the on-going trial many other testimonies were added pointing to him as the main local coordinator of the counter-insurgency campaign during the time of Martial Law which targeted many church people.
During our conference on February 8, 2003 Mr. Villamor explained that he was only the personal secretary of Mayor Josue Faustino at that time and he was not the one deciding on the killings. He admitted that on April 11, 1985 he went to the eatery to talk to Norberto Manero Jr. and he also suggested to prepare placards of propaganda against the rebel movement, but he said that he left before the killing.
Fr. Peter and the Bishop advised Mr. Villamor to reveal confidentially the names of those who planned and ordered the killing of Fr. Peter, which resulted in the killing of Fr. Favali. Villamor gave only an evasive answer and added the Norberto Manero, Jr. planned the killing and he had special authorization from higher military officers. We said that we do not intend to file more cases against the masterminds but it is important to bring out the truth on this matter because, the Bishop added, “the truth will make you free… your conscience will be at peace and also we the Church like to know the truth so that we don’t suspect others and face causes of what happened”
The Fr. Peter mentioned that at that time also the rebels were planning to liquidate or eliminate Mr. Villamor and they asked for Fr. Peter’s opinion, but he told them that this would only provoke more killings of innocent civilians. Fr. Peter concluded with the question,” Did you Mr. Villamor try to spare the lives of civilians?”
Mr. Rufino Robles mentioned a number of lay church leaders who were killed at that time. Mr. Villamor said that he recognizes that 14 of them have been declared “MARTYRS “. Then he added that he wants to able to go to church again.
Mr. Villamor also pledge not to participate in anyway in any attempt to harm the witnesses who testified against him and he wrote this letter. But he added that he cannot guarantee for the Manero’s because of “their killing instinct… therefore be careful and I can help you to obtain police assistance in case the witness need it..” the conference of Feb. 8 ended with a personal reconciliation of Mr. Villamor and all present.
On Feb. 17,2003 Atty. Andolana made a manifestation at the RTC to suspend the trial of Mr. Villamor and on March 10, 2003 he prepared a written motion for that purpose. Now it is up to the Judge to decide on the dismissal of the case.

DAY OF MARTYRS AND PRAYER RALLY FOR PEACE

April 11, 2003 Peter Geremia

This year the Day of Martyrs on the Anniversary of the death of Fr. Tullio Favali April 11, 1985 was the occasion for a massive Prayer Rally for Peace. The reason for this is that our Diocese has again become a battlefield: last January two groups moved into the interior of Columbio, then military operations followed with bombings and mortar firings. The armed groups were at first identified as members of the Pentagon, a terrorist group like the Abu Sayyaf. From Columbio the group moved to the Pulangi River and then to the Linguasan Marsh. The military operations expanded into several municipalities and culminated into a massive attacked at the so-called Buliok Complex in Pikit on February 11, 2003. This was a Muslim Holiday similar to our Holy Week called the day of Sacrifice. The attack started while the Muslims were holding their congregational prayer… This caused over 100,000 evacuees and tremendous resentment. By this time the Military declared that they were not after the Pentagon group, their objective was to crush the MILF rebel forces and to capture or kill the MILF top leader Ustadz Hashim Salamat.
This put and end to the ceasefire with the MILF and their forces spread all around attacking detachments, multiplying ambushes and raids up to now. By now there are initial negotiations, but no ceasefire yet. At the same time several bombs were exploded in the cities, particularly in Davao, killing and maiming many civilians and their are constant bomb threats causing panic.
The MILF are automatically suspected for these incidents, but there is no clear proof and there are fears that so-called third parties may be responsible for these atrocities in order to disrupt the peace negotiations. In fact the peace negotiations of both Government and MILF indicated that they were very close to an agreement the day before the all-out-attack of the Buliok Complex.
At the same time the anti-Muslim feelings have been aroused, vigilantes groups are spreading and our pro-war politicians have requested American troops to join and train the local soldiers in order to put and end to rebel resistance. This is called the “Balikatan” operations, which means that Filipino and American soldiers will march shoulder to shoulder as a joint force. Meanwhile we are rushing to assist the evacuees but we have to be careful to avoid being caught in the crossfire or in the bombings. We keep on crying “PEACE” while the majority is caught in the vicious circle of war and violence. So many families displaced in evacuation centers, many get sick, children die, the men are on guard all night long, the farmers cannot go back to their farms, so many crops abandoned, farm animals lost, many houses burned…
But the government and also media and the general public don’t seem to notice what is happening in Mindanao, all attention is focused on the big war in Iraq…
That’s why our diocese launched this special Prayer Rally on the Day of Martyrs. Over 3,000 people gathered at the Cathedral for Mass. At the entrance each Parish attached the list of their Martyrs to a big Cross along with clusters of colorful balloons as peace symbols. Our Bishop gave a passionate homily pointing to the Martyrs as “Peacemakers” who gave their lives foe the cause of peace. The Bishop noted that April 11, 2003 is the 40th anniversary of Pope John XX111’s Encyclical “Pacem in Terris” and from that encyclical he underlined the message that “ Peace is essentially about people… and innumerable gestures of peace made by men and women throughout history who have kept hope and have not given in to discouragement…” The Bishop concluded that in our desperate situation we do not need more weapons nor American troops, but more “ gestures of peace” like the ceasefire, sincere negotiations, the return of the evacuees to their lands, food supplies and medicines etc.

After the Mass we had a silent and prayerful march through the town of Kidapawan. Then at the main square a series of speakers shared their experiences about the effects of war, their analysis about the causes of war and their suggestions on how to pursue the dream of peace. The large crowd kept on shouting, “NO TO WAR… NO TO BALIKATAN.. YES TO PEACE…”
I suppose our Martyrs, Fr. Tullio Favali and many Lay leaders who were killed while promoting peace and justice must have joined our prayer rally and I hope they will continue to guide us in the paths of Peace.