When the Arroyo government declared a stop of military operations (SOMO), a feeling of relief and hope swept residents of 12 villages in Surigao del Sur who evacuated their homes and farms last month due to massive military operations.

"Dili ko katuo nga makauli nami karon, nakahilak ko

tungod sa kalipay nga akong gibati apan nabalaka gihapon kay sa among pagbalik didto wala pay kasiguroan ang tanan. (I can't believe we are going to go home. I am crying because I am so happy, yet I am worried because we still lack security for our return)," an elderly woman told the Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Watch (IPHR Watch) when asked about her feelings that she and her family can now go home.

The residents of Han-ayan had even asked the military to look after their homes and belongings, as well as their schools, before they left for the evacuation centers.

Maj. Samuel Sagun, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division, had denied military's involvement in human rights violations, pointing the finger instead at the NPA rebels who are "on the run and looking for food."

The residents and representatives of religious groups and NGOs that joined them in their journey home found 34 empty shells of M16 bullets and five empty shells of M14 bullets on the ground, six combat shoes and a nameplate of the military, empty shells of 105 howitzer ammunition, and a white sack.

"The situation we witnessed demonstrates how military operations bring disaster to Lumad communities. IPHR Watch Mindanao documented cases such as Illegal Search and Seizure, Divestment and Destruction of Property, Violations of Domicile, Use of Schools and other Public Places for Military Purposes, Violation of Children's Right to Development. The military either does not understand the protocols of war as stated in provisions of International Humanitarian Law, or the AFP's commanding officers have disregarded the law and violated human rights," IPHR Watch said.