Tumandok: Soldiers grabbed our land
ROXAS CITY – The cultural minorities locally known as "Tumandok" claimed that the Philippine Army (PA) under 3rd Infantry Division based in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz committed atrocities against them during Martial Law such as burning their houses, stealing their animals and other farm produce and killing their relatives.
The grievances of the Tumandok were aired during the public hearing conducted on Saturday at the Capiz provincial capitol here by the committee on national cultural communities.
Juleta Daned, of Brgy Daan Sur, Tapaz, Capiz presented the alleged atrocities during the public hearing.
However, Maj. Gen Nestor Z. Ochoa, 3rd ID Commanding General, who was present during the public hearing, strongly denied the Tumandok's allegations.
Ochoa also assured the Tumandok of their help.
Committee on National Cultural Communities headed by Cong. Samuel Dangwa with committee members Cong. Luzviminda Ilagan, Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, and Cong. Chungalao were here for a public hearing to settle the long-standing problems between the Army and the Tumandok in Jamindan and Tapaz.
Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, Sr. was also present and delivered his message during the public hearing.
The Tumandok are claiming more than 33,000 hectares of land in Jamindan as their ancestral domain. They accused the army of grabbing the said land for their use as reserve for military war games and weapons testing within the area.
President Diosdado Macapagal under Presidential Proclamation No. 67 declared the area as a military reservation.
The public hearing was also attended by militant organizations and other elected officials.