Alamara (militia)

Alamara is a local Philippine militia group active primarily in the provinces of the Bukidnon and Davao del Norte. The militia group was first mentioned in 2002. This group is known to have been formed by the Philippine military with the aim of intimidating and waging war against the New People's Army (NPA).

First proposed and known in 2002 as an effort by the Philippine government and military to suppress the communist rebellion by the New People's Army (NPA) which was active in Mindanao. This group is known for intimidation and violence against its opponents, especially against communist followers and other minorities. It is active in the provinces of Bukidnon and Davao del Norte with the indigenous membership of Lumad (Ata Manobo).^[1]

Various news sources reported that the military used Alamara in the fight against communist rebels and to intimidate civilians to quell unrest. It is also said that the military uses them to help clear ancestral territories to make way for mining companies. The military uses it to divert attention from its own military atrocities in order to deny the violence.^[1]

Alamara's members consist of local Christian and animist indigenous people of Lumad (mainly Ata Manobo).^[2] There are reports of indigenous people being forcibly recruited by the Philippine military. As of 2016, this was still active.^[1]

Alamara is known to frequently intimidate and harass students and teachers in tribal schools, often in collaboration with the military.^[3] As a result, several schools were closed and residents fled their villages. Local tribal leaders denied military involvement in the violence, but two of the three tribal leaders who said so were leaders of Alamara and similar groups.^[2]

• Ilaga
• Tadtad
• Davao Death Squad