LRC-KsK Davao

About a year ago, fear gripped this sleepy town due to heavy militarization. Several cases of human rights violations have been reported that includes the arrest of several Lumad farmers accused by the military of either members or supporters of the communist movement.

But many believed that the militarization in the area was part of the security of the mining operation of SMI in neighboring town of Tampakan, South Cotabato.

After almost two years of being hounded by the fear and terror, the villagers -- Lumads, Muslims and Christian settlers -- are now enjoying the relative peace in the locality.

Photos by Keith KP Bacongco / LRC-KsK Friends of the Earth Phils.