Brandon Lee’s solidarity message for the 39th People’s Cordillera Day

Kakadua ken kakabsat,

Nabara a Kablaaw!

I wish you all a very successful 39th People’s Cordillera Day! It pains me that I cannot be there with you in person but know that I am there with you in spirit.

It has been four years since the Philippine Army’s 54th infantry Battalion of the 5th Infantry Division attempted to silence me with bullets. They wanted to stop me from documenting their human rights violations and supporting the indigenous peoples right to self-determination in Ifugao.

Moreover, it pains me that four years have passed without justice or accountability. I am now paralyzed because of that attack. I can not walk the streets, nor make a fist. But I can still raise my voice for the people. The attack on my life has not and will not silence me. 

I have made it my mission to let people in the US know about your struggles against government neglect and corruption, development aggression, and the militarization of communities. In fact, we will be celebrating Cordillera Day here in San Francisco to explore ways we can support your struggles on the ground.

Despite the attacks, keep on fighting! Like our kadua, Arnold “Ka Mando” Jaramillo says, Payt Latta! Document the human rights violations against you and your community. I promise to continue exposing and opposing all the violations happening to you. In our unity, we will find our strength and we shall overcome.

Sumkad para iti daga, biag, ken dayaw! 

Payt latta!

Agbiag tayo Amin!