The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict welcomes the recent ruling of the Court of Appeals that affirmed a Regional Trial Court’s conviction in the Talaingod 13 case. It is, above all, a victory not just for the Lumad communities of Mindanao, but for all indigenous peoples across the country.
For more than three decades, many Lumad communities have been treated as pawns by the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front and its legal machinery, drawn into an ideological and political agenda that did not serve their long-term welfare. They were paraded as symbols, mobilized for campaigns, and, in many instances, reduced to milking cows that sustained the movement’s operations. The court’s decision sends a strong message that exploitation, even when cloaked in the appearance of advocacy, should be confronted by law.
The ruling is not an assault on activism, dissent, or the right to advocate for indigenous peoples. These freedoms remain protected by the Constitution. The conviction stems from specific acts found by the courts to have violated Republic Act 7610, which protects children from abuse, exploitation, and endangerment.
The courts have ruled on evidence and statutes, not on slogans or posturing. To claim that the decision amounts to persecution of activism ignores the history and context of the ruling. The accused were tried before a Regional Trial Court, convicted, and afforded every opportunity to challenge the judgment. They appealed, and the Court of Appeals reviewed the case and affirmed the ruling.
Disagreeing with a decision does not make the ruling unjust, and it certainly does not entitle anyone to dismiss the authority of the courts. In the case of the Talaingod 13, due process was observed, step by step.
Lest the focus is drowned out by noise, it should be remembered that the case is about child protection. The State has a clear obligation to protect children from unauthorized transfers, exposure to harm, and exploitation, regardless of the cause invoked.
Advocacy does not grant immunity when children are placed at risk. Laws like RA 7610 exist precisely to draw firm boundaries that cannot be crossed, even in the name of politics or ideology.
There is also a broader pattern that we must recognize. Former rebels who have disavowed the armed movement, especially in its use of minors in the so-called people’s war, have long pointed out the familiar, almost automatic refrain from national democratic groups whenever the law catches up with them. Almost reflexively, they demand to abolish the NTF-ECLAC, a call that has become too predictable, it is no longer surprising.
The task force has nothing to do with the ruling. Judicial outcomes are decided by independent courts based on evidence presented before them. Calling for the dismantling of institutions every time accountability is enforced is not a defense of rights but a vain attempt to evade responsibility.
Respect for institutions, particularly the courts, is essential to peace and democracy. Protecting children, respecting the rule of law, and ensuring accountability are not obstacles to peace. They are its foundations.
Lasting peace will not be built by exploiting communities or dismantling institutions when challenged, but by affirming, consistently and without exception, that the law applies to all. (PR)
