In the lead-up to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), various progressive groups from Southern Mindanao Region slammed the administration’s performance in human rights, socioeconomic disparities, and ongoing political controversies clouding the government’s priorities.
The alliance, composed notably of Gabriela – Southern Mindanao, Gabriela-Youth Davao, Sabokahan Unity of Lumad Women, Anakbayan-Southern Mindanao, under Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Mindanao (BAYAN-SM), gave the current administration a “failing grade,” assessing its performance in the first half of its 6-year term to be subpar from what is needed.
BAYAN – SM Regional Coordinator Rauf Sissay highlighted the inadequacies of the government’s response to crises and accountability.
“Failed sa panginabuhian, failed sa pulitika, ug failed sa uban pang mga issues sa mga katawhan,” he stated.
He also led the demonstration condemning the grave human rights violations and failure of the administration to improve the lives of working Filipinos.
“Red-tagging and vilification are still rampant online and on the ground–accusing progressive activists and social development NGOs as ‘communist terrorists’ or ‘rebel supporters’, which hamper their advocacy, educational services, and organizing work among members and organizing work among marginalized sectors across Mindanao,” Sisay added.
Sabokahan Youth Chairperson Lala Empong also cited various military operations and intelligence surveillance as reasons why the indigenous communities live in constant fear.
“Dili tinuod nga luwas ang pagpuyo diria sa Mindanao kay adlaw-adlaw ginasinati sa mga community organizers, sa mga environmental defenders, sa human rights defenders ang surveillance [sa militar], ” she asserted.
Moreover, Reverend Julius Neri Camannong denounced attacks on the church in the wake of charges brought against himself, fellow priests, and his companions last January.
“Lalo na sa Anti-Terror Law… grabe ang pagyurak sa tawhanong katungod. Bisan ang simbahan dili na nila ginarespeto. Hindi lang ako ang nasampahan ng terrorist financing, may kasama akong mga pastor,” he said.
Anakbayan Southern Mindanao Region Chairperson Fauzhea Guiani also criticized repressive academic policies and the lack of protection of student campuses, amidst ongoing calls for the relocation of the 11th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG), currently situated within UP Mindanao campus grounds.
“Naa pud ang repressive nga academic policies nga ginasinati sa mga kabatan-onan, labi na karon kay padayon man gihapon ila ginaduso ang pag-implement sa mandatory ROTC, ug ang existence sa 11th RCDG, labi na diria sa UP Mindanao.”
Consequently, she urged public officials to instead focus on solving issues directly affecting the people amidst the trending boxing proposal between acting Davao Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III.
“Tama na ang theatrics, tama na ang kung ano-ano na performances, labi na gikan sa atong mga public officials. Palihog lang na magtuman ta sa atoang mga ibuhaton, ug atoang tubagon ug atubangon ang nagkalain-lain nga mga problema, dili lang diria sa atong dakbayan, apil na pud sa tibuok Pilipinas.”
Further commenting on the administration’s performance, GABRIELA Youth Chairperson Allyssa Ancheta lamented their lack of optimism for change from the administration.
“Kung gusto jud niya maging different sa iyang amahan, dapat sa very first year pa lang, daghan na siyang nabuhat, pero mag-three years na, and I think three years is more than enough to prove himself, yet wala gihapoy kabag-ohan,” Ancheta emphasized.
The BAYAN-SM multisectoral press briefing and conversation was held on July 25.