FORMER Bayan Muna Representative Eufemia Cullamat argues the recent conviction of the "Talaingod 13" is not just a legal setback, but a calculated move to protect entrenched power structures in Mindanao.

The Lumad leader denounced the verdict, alleging that the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is utilizing red-tagging to suppress legitimate resistance against land grabbing and extractive industries.

"The NTF-ELCAC has been accused of filing fabricated cases against community leaders and activists," Cullamat said, pointing to concerns raised by international bodies like the UN Special Rapporteurs and Amnesty International regarding the criminalization of Indigenous defenders.

Questioning the Narrative

Cullamat’s critique digs into the local power dynamics of Talaingod. She challenges the government’s narrative by highlighting alleged ties between the NTF-ELCAC and the Libayao family, a clan with significant influence in the area.

Tracing the family's history back to the Marcos era, Cullamat alleges they have maintained control through a mix of political maneuvering and paramilitary force. She warns that this latest case fuels fears of further marginalizing Lumad communities.

"The task force's actions may be seen as complicit in maintaining the dominance of certain interests," she said.

The Context of Conflict

The unrest in Talaingod has long been linked to land disputes and the targeting of Lumad schools, which are often viewed by local elites as challenges to dynastic control.

Cullamat directed criticism toward NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Ernesto C. Torres Jr., noting his previous role in the AFP's 10th Infantry Division, which oversees Talaingod. She suggests his appointment signals a continuation of past military policies rather than a new direction.

She also questioned the task force's moral standing, citing its associations with controversial figures such as Apollo Quiboloy.

"The struggle for land, schools, and the future will continue," she said, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency.

Legal Support

Human rights lawyer Antonio La Viña backed Cullamat's assessment, calling for closer scrutiny of the political influence surrounding the case.

"The conviction of the Talaingod 13 raises serious questions about the motivations behind the charges," La Viña said.

The NTF-ELCAC has not publicly responded to these allegations.