Exactly a month after the disaster, the affected people of Iligan still suffer from the harsh effects of Typhoon Sendong. Many mourned for the lost of their beloved family members, homes, properties, and livelihood. Many children are no longer able to return to their classes. But despite all these, many opportunist abused and took advantage of these situations. We see Traditional Politicians (TraPo) extending their questionable altruism in order to smell good and to secure electoral victory. There are also significant numbers of self-interested international and local non-government organizations that made use of the calamity to draw out funds for the sake of the unfortunate survivors – so the rhetoric goes.

Here in Iligan City, there were reliefs that were not relieving for the victims due to the non-observation in the system of relief distribution. There are also relief goods that cannot be used by the survivors thus adding more to their distress. And there are important decisions where the victims were not consulted. This took away their opportunity to determine which step can be best pursued to uplift their lives.

In commemorating the first month since the calamity, we from Ranaw Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Assistance Center, Inc. (RDRRAC) together with DUYOG ILIGAN and its volunteers express our heartfelt solidarity to the suffering of the victims and the bereaved families. We further believe that this situation does not take away their human rights – they must even be strengthened. That’s why the survivors must not be treated as plain victims but as partners who should have the rights especially in participating on the processes that will ensure their sustainable and brighter future.

Make the loggers accountable to this disaster! Justice for all the victims!

Consultation to the victims and IDPs!

Stop the mining and quarrying operations in Iligan City!

Serious implementation of DRRM Act of 2010!

December 19, 2012

RDRRAC