The recent suspension of operation ordered by the Department of Education (DepEd) against 55 Lumad schools in the Davao region causes concern to the Commission on Human Rights as it affects children, who are also indigenous peoples (IP), recognised as part of the country’s most vulnerable sectors.

While we recognise the need to address security issues, the allegation that the said Lumad schools are training ground for ‘rebels’ still require substantial pieces of evidence and due process. We reiterate our reminder against using blanket labels, which can endanger the safety of the communities and make them vulnerable to attacks and harassment.

In the face of conflict, children should be seen as zones of peace, consistent with the passage of Republic Act No. 11188, also known as the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict law, which protects children from all forms of abuse and violence. Their right to education should never be compromised in the face of such assertions from the government.

At the same time, this issue also brings into light the need for DepEd to assess if there are enough schools near Lumad communities, which has been said to be the cause for setting up learning spaces run by organisations. Government must contemplate long-term solutions to the realities being faced by Lumad children, who may actually be innocent but are targeted by rebel groups.

Suspension of the Lumad schools’ operations may fall short as a solution to a complex issue that require a more comprehensive assessment other than from a security perspective. The challenge now for the government is to strike a balance in the face of equally important interests.

Their struggle for the recognition of IP rights and recurring grievances must be addressed instead of shrinking avenues for their empowerment. Utmost consideration must always be given to the welfare of IPs who have already suffered numerous injustices in their pursuit of self-determination. We call on the DepEd to reassess its decision and seek to dialogue with the Lumads as the party most impacted by this action. ###