The Ati families in Boracay, custodians of their ancestral lands, face a dire threat to their homes and way of life.
The recent events of March 24 marked a dark chapter as security guards, purportedly acting on behalf of developers, fenced off Ati lands, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their future.
The Asosasyon sang Boracay Ati Tribal Organization (BATO) stood witness as their mothers were forcibly barred from their homes, leaving their children vulnerable and isolated. This flagrant act of aggression not only violates their basic human rights but also undermines the rule of law.
Lack Of Legal Validity?
The developers' claims of ownership, allegedly backed by the revocation of the Ati's land title by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), lack legal validity.
Despite ongoing legal proceedings and a pending Petition of Certiorari with the Court of Appeals, the Ati remain steadfast in their assertion of rightful ownership.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte's grant of 3.1 hectares of land to the Ati in 2018 stands a hope for the marginalized community. Through the Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA), the Ati embarked on a journey of empowerment, transforming barren lots into thriving agricultural hubs. Their toil bore fruit, quite literally, as their produce sustained them through adversities, including the pandemic.
Injustice in Boracay?
Injustice in Boracay?
However, the shadow of injustice looms large as DAR's decision to cancel their CLOA, despite appeals and motions for reconsideration, threatens to uproot the Ati from their ancestral lands once more.
The Ati's resilience in the face of adversity speaks volumes about their unwavering spirit and determination to defend their rights.
Voice Of The Marginalized
In solidarity with the Ati community, it is imperative for the authorities to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
The voices of the marginalized must not be silenced, and their rights must be protected against the encroachment of vested interests. We call upon the Commission on Human Rights and all concerned parties to intervene swiftly and decisively to ensure that justice prevails for the Ati families of Boracay.
In the spirit of solidarity and justice, let us stand with the Ati families in their fight to reclaim what is rightfully theirs – their land, their home, and their future.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #InjusticeInBoracay #AtiFamiliesinBoracay #BATO #DAR #CLOA #CHR