CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Educators, religious leaders, and Indigenous rights advocates are mobilizing today, April 10, at the University of the Philippines Diliman, calling for the reversal of the Talaingod 13 convictions and denouncing the case as an attack on Lumad communities and their right to education.

The gathering, under the banner “Stand With Ka Satur,” brings together multiple sectors pushing to overturn the guilty verdicts and halt what they describe as sustained attacks on Lumad schools.

Read also: Educators, advocates demand justice for ‘Talaingod 13’

The Talaingod 13—a group of educators, church workers, and human rights defenders that includes former lawmaker Satur Ocampo—were charged after assisting Lumad students during a 2018 evacuation in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, at the height of military operations and the closure of community-run schools.

In a press advisory, the Save Our Schools (SOS) Network said the group, instead of being protected, endured years of red-tagging and harassment that culminated in their conviction—an outcome they described as part of a broader effort to suppress Indigenous education and silence its supporters.

The defendants are awaiting a Court of Appeals ruling on their motion for reconsideration. If upheld, the conviction—carrying a minimum four-year sentence—will be elevated to the Supreme Court. Advocates warn this could have a chilling effect on humanitarian work and Indigenous rights advocacy.

Angelika Moral, SOS spokesperson, Lumad youth leader, and key witness in the case, is set to speak at the event, continuing to represent communities facing militarization, displacement, and limited access to education.

“Standing with the Lumad is not a crime,” Moral said. “We stood with Lumad children—and for that, we were punished.”

She stressed that the case reflects a broader issue.

“This is not about crime. It is about silencing those who defend the people,” she said. “When the State abandoned our education, we built our own schools. For that, we were attacked.”

SOS said the convictions reflect a wider pattern of legal action and militarization targeting Indigenous schools, grassroots groups, and community leaders.

Fr. Raymond Ambray, an SOS convenor, framed the issue as a moral challenge, urging the public to act.

“When injustice is normalized, silence becomes part of the sin,” he said. “Faith must be lived in solidarity—with the Lumad and with all who fight for justice.”

The program, set from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at UP Diliman’s Atencio-Libunao Hall, will culminate in a collective act of solidarity led by Lumad youth.

“Reverse the conviction. Defend Lumad schools. Stand with the Lumad,” Moral said.