ILOILO CITY—Cultural workers and scholars are calling for peace among communities of indigenous peoples (IPs) in central Panay Island after the deadly raids conducted in alleged Communist hotspots in Iloilo and Capiz provinces.

“The residents of our research sites and the communities where we have conducted knowledge-building since the late 1980s have become concerned with their safety and well-being. The loss of a maaram (learned) culture bearer is irreplaceable,” said the Panay Indigenous Culture Advocacy Group (PICAG) in a statement.

This was after community leaders of the Panay Bukidnon IP were reported as among the nine killed when the Philippine National Police (PNP) served warrants of arrest for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Government authorities claimed they were members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“We are making an urgent and serious request now to value life, peace, and trust for the indigenous peoples to cultivate and safeguard the cultures and traditions which we have labored so hard to uplift as culturally-concerned and peace-loving individuals,” PICAG emphasized.

The deadly December 30 operation sent some IP families fleeing their homes out of fear.

For PICAG, the recent events may have an impact in the work to preserve cultural traditions. 

The Panay Bukidnon has a rich traditional culture such as the Sugidanon or the 10-volume epics of Panay, which is one of the world’s longest epics. There are also dances and indigenous embroidery.

“The scholars are disturbed by the trauma that the recent events have brought to the children, women, and respected magurang  (elder members of the community) who are cultural bearers and keepers of indigenous traditions,” PICAG pointed out.

“The efforts of the scholars in lifting the Panay Bukidnon culture with the IP professionals, who are now proud to forward the above-stated traditions, have taken almost a lifetime to accomplish for several of us,” PICAG noted.

“The dignity generated from their unique culture was fostered because of the initiatives. We do not want another setback to this advancement and have these important cultures and practices be buried again repeating the dark era for Panay culture,” PICAG reiterated.