We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, express our deep concern and continued outrage as we mark the second anniversary of the unjust conviction of the Talaingod 13 on July 15, 2026. Those unjustly convicted include Ka Satur Ocampo, Rep. France Castro, eight teachers of the Salugpongan Lumad School, and three others—collectively known as the Talaingod 13—for child abuse. Their so-called “crime” was rescuing 14 Lumad students from AFP-backed paramilitary groups in Dulyan, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on November 28, 2018—groups that had forcibly shut down their school and threatened them with violence. This case is a chilling reminder of how the law has been weaponized to criminalize humanitarian action and solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples. The conviction stems from a broader campaign of repression initiated under former President Rodrigo Duterte, who ordered the closure—and even bombing—of over 200 Lumad schools in Mindanao. These schools, built by church groups, civil society organizations, and non-government organizations, provide basic education to Indigenous communities in far-flung areas unserved by the public school system. Said orders were based on false allegations that these schools were being used as training grounds for communist rebels. The continued legal persecution of the Talaingod 13 under President Marcos Jr. is a grave injustice. It sends a dangerous message: that those who defend Indigenous rights, education, ancestral lands, and self-determination can be punished for their compassion and courage. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ka Satur Ocampo, Rep. France Castro, the Salugpungan teachers, and all those who took part in the 2018 solidarity and fact-finding mission. Their actions were not criminal—they were acts of humanity and unwavering solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples amid state attacks. We call on the courts to overturn the unjust ruling against the Talaingod 13. We also urge the Department of Education to take meaningful steps toward reopening Lumad schools, ensuring that Indigenous children and youth can once again access a culturally and economically relevant education.
Defend Talaingod 13!