United Methodists were among those who opposed a resolution to close down Haran Mission Center in Davao City, a sanctuary to around 500 displaced Lumads in Mindanao.
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib moved for the immediate closure of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines center due to “violations of indigenous people’s rights” committed inside the facility, according to the resolution issued by the Davao Regional Peace and Order Council Jan. 15.
Haran Mission Center is a temporary shelter for displaced Lumads from Davao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon and Cotabato who fled military harassment in their villages. Around 170 families — an estimated 500 individuals, mostly children — are housed at the center.
The Lumads are the largest indigenous group in the Philippines. The word “Lumad” is a Visayan term that means “born of the earth.”
Ten days after the closure order, the paramilitary group Alamara, which included some Lumad members, raided the compound, according to local news reports. That forced evacuees to take shelter in the main compound.
United Methodist Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan, Davao Area, condemned the closure and raid.
“It is unfortunate that the Lumad ministry at Haran is halted due to the forcible entry of armed men. These are indeed trying moments in the history of our church in our pursuit for peace among the indigenous people in Mindanao.
“I condemn in strictest terms this unlawful entry into the Lumad sanctuary and I call on the military and police to ensure safety in the whole facility. I join the (National Council of Churches in the Philippines) family in praying for the immediate restoration of peace and order in Haran and its ministry to the Lumads.”
United Methodists have been at the forefront in speaking out and defending the rights of the indigenous peoples, and the church continues its outreach with Lumads.
A United Methodist Board of Global Ministries Nationals in Mission project works with indigenous peoples in the Philippines.
“We have ministries in Makilala town and in Tacol, Magsaysay, Davao Sur and in Managic, Malaybalay, Bukidnon,” Juan said.
“A livelihood project on basket weaving is conducted with our Lumads to enable them to generate extra income. I also sourced out funds for a children’s classroom and library for Lumads.”
Source: United Methodist News
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