Barangay Defense System in Tampakan is two-pronged – Ilagan in solidarity mission

"Organizing Barangay Defense System (BDS) among members in the community serves two purposes: first, to protect the mining operation of the Xstrata-SMI, and second, which is the more important, is to pursue the Oplan Bantay Laya of the Arroyo administration," said Gabriela solon Luzviminda Ilagan. In an informal forum on May 15 in Tampakan, South Cotabato, the progressive representative listened to an intense discussion about the alarming situation of the local church leaders who have been harassed by the military assigned in the area.

The Gabriela solon was joined by foreign delegates and by members of local and national organizations in an international solidarity mission (ISM) in Tampakan and Polomoloc, South Cotabato from May 15 to 16, 2009.

Rep Ilagan stressed that the BDS is a modernized “divide-and-rule” tactic which pits families and religious groups with one another in an attempt to diminish the unity of the community against the encroachment of a big mining company in the area," she added.

According to long-time residents of the municipality, the BDS was first established in Tampakan by the 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the 10th Infantry Division (ID) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in December 2008, when the mining company, Xstrata-SMI, had finished its feasibility study and was getting ready for the next phase of the mining operation.

The residents also reported the visits repeatedly done by uniformed personnel conducting an “NSO” type interviews which extracted information on family members including their membership in church groups. Mobile phone numbers of relatives were also collected.  A persistent demand by the military officers was to reveal the names of officers of party-lists Bayan Muna, Gabriela and Anak Pawis.

These frequent visits during odd hours of the day culminated in a 4-day seminar facilitated by military personnel.  The program included candle-lighting, kissing religious icons, and seeking forgiveness for having been “supporters of the NPA”.  Forms were also distributed for the seminar participants to sign and to distribute to others that they renounce their support of the NPA.

“A climate of fear pervades the areas where residents have actively opposed the presence of the mining conglomerate as their food security and watershed system are now threatened.  It must be recalled that Eliezer “Boy” Billanes, a vocal anti-mining activist was killed last March 9, 2009,” Ilagan said. #