They refused to stay at sports institute: Lumads occupy Fuente Osmeña
Lumad protesters from Mindanao take shelter under tents they have put up at the Fuente Osmeña Circle. Cebu City is their first stop in a series of rallies here and in Luzon against what they call the “US-Duterte Regime.” ALDO NELBERT BANAYNAL
CEBU, Philippines - No, the lumads from Mindanao who rallied in Cebu City last Monday are not squatting illegally at the Fuente Osmeña Circle.
The Cebu City government allowed them to stay there.
“Ato tagaan og konsiderasyon that they have grievance… it’s only for a few days, sagdi lang na. I will just tolerate it for a few days,” said Mayor Tomas Osmeña.
The protesters will stay at the circle until tomorrow, Friday.
City tourism officer Malou Inocando-Tabar also said, “It is an opportunity for us to show them the hospitality that Cebuanos are known for. We respect their right to freely express their ideas and opinions, not only because it is their Constitutional right but also because Cebuanos are peace-loving people and like them, we also yearn for peace in the country,” she told The FREEMAN.
The Fuente Osmeña Circle is a landmark not only because of its location but of the many events held there, protests included.
At least 500 lumads have stayed at the Fuente Osmeña Circle for at least four days. They are calling for an end to what they call “US-Duterte Regime.” They said the national government has deprived them of services and privileges.
Councilor David Tumulak, chairman of the City Council’s committee on public order and safety, said the city actually offered to house the lumads at the Cebu City Sports Institute in Barangay Sawang Calero but the protesters chose to stay at the Fuente Osmeña Circle where they can be visible.
He said the lumads requested formally to be accommodated in Cebu City.
“Sila man gyud ang nibalibad nga anha sila. Gi-consider nato sila kay bisita man nato sila… ubos man sad na sa pagtugot sa atoang mayor,” Tumulak said.
The lumads have put up temporary shelters made of plastic sheets while the city provided them with basic necessities like portable toilets, garbage receptacles, water, and even buses for their activities. — /JMO (FREEMAN)
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