URGENT ALERT
August 7, 2025
Donate to help the humanitarian team reach communities affected by militarization and IHL violations: ichrp.net/SupportMindoro
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) strongly condemns the killing of Juan Sumilhig, a Maranao farmer and former political prisoner, by elements of the 4th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on August 1 in Sitio Salidang, Brgy. Naibuan, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
According to ICHRP local partner, Karapatan Southern Tagalog, Sumilhig was murdered in what is being claimed as a “fake encounter,” part of a disturbing pattern of extrajudicial killings of unarmed civilians, particularly from indigenous and farming communities. His body remains in military custody, denying him and his family the dignity of a proper burial. This is an outright violation of international humanitarian law (IHL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
After more than a week of facing red-tagging, surveillance, and military checkpoints, members of the Mindoro Humanitarian and Fact-Finding Mission (HFFM) have ensured the burial of Sumihig’s remains.
As of writing, the humanitarian teams are still on the ground and investigating recent violations. They need financial support for their transport and logistics. These teams are accomplishing their objectives, but are now facing limitations because of the prolonged military harassment that disrupted the mission.
Local communities are reporting a significant military presence, aerial combat operations, and surveillance in Naibuan and nearby areas, forcing farmers to flee their lands and abandon their livelihoods. As a result, widespread hunger, fear, and trauma have gripped the indigenous and peasant populations of Mindoro. Residents and officials confirm that military forces are taking control of civil governance, reflecting de facto martial law in rural areas of the country.
Ironically, the Philippine government’s ongoing IHL violations have established a state of martial rule in rural areas. These violations occur just days before the anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, which will be commemorated on August 12. These conventions are fundamental to International Humanitarian Law and are designed to protect individuals during armed conflicts.
Filipino farming communities under attack need your help
ICHRP urgently calls on international partners to support the ongoing Humanitarian Mission in Naibuan. This independent mission is under threat from military obstruction and surveillance, and requires urgent financial and solidarity support to carry out its life-saving work.
Donate to help the humanitarian team reach communities affected by militarization and IHL violations: ichrp.net/SupportMindoro
OUR CALLS
- Independent investigation into the killing of Juan Sumilhig; Stop the killings
- End militarization of Mindoro and all rural areas
- Allow unrestricted access for all humanitarian and relief efforts to Mindoro and affected communities
- Full respect for IHL and human rights in Mindoro and across the Philippines
