Dearest Mik-Mik,
I started as an organizer and human rights defender of my own rights, of our fellow indigenous peoples in the
community, and of other indigenous communi<es as well.
I was an 18 years old and as youth when I became aware of our poor situa<on, lack of financial capacity to
con<nue studying to a higher level. Like you, I grew up in a community experiencing the different forms of
harassment and violence that the “Abyangs” (Tagalogs) that come to our place do the chea<ng in coun<ng
and paying our forest products, violence brought by military opera<ons implemen<ng development projects
which threaten our means of livelihood, most especially our rights to resources, ancestral lands, and
self .determina<on
When I was living in our community, I became the military’s target to silence me and stop me from con<nuing
my ac<vi<es to educate, organize, and mobilize our indigenous brother and sisters on the social issues and
having alliance with the farmers in our community. I experienced being shot between my feet and chase by
the military’s armored vehicle. My strong determina<on, commitment and broad thinking in upholding my
principles and ac<vi<es mo<vate me to con<nue and fight for my basic rights as an indigenous and ci<zen of
our country.
For me to con<nue these ac<vi<es, I always think that I can proceed if I am with the people in the community,
my colleagues in the organiza<on, and be able to speak in forums and group discussions to share the
condi<on and circumstances of our fellow indigenous peoples in the community.
I s<ll provide some <me to take care of myself, cook simple food, and bond with old and new friends to build
support from friends that are not directly involved in my ac<vi<es.
Expected to lead the ac<vi<es especially in figh<ng for our basic rights to the lands, resources, and our self
determina<on, I need to clearly analyze the current situa<on and issues that our organiza<on and community
face.
It is very important for us to hold to our principles and the roles that we need to lead. Always remember the
principle of unity, may it be a personal problem or of the community. Always remember that we are a big part
of our organiza<on and community. It is essen<al for us to be open in our plans or thoughts for ourselves and
the community.
Do not also forget and set aside assessing our ac<vi<es and ourselves based on our individual responsibili<es
and ac<ons.
Always remember that our individual strength comes from valuable experiences and lessons from our
previous experiences and ac<vi<es.
It will not stop us as a human rights defender and protector of our ancestral lands and self determina<on!