Lawmaker wants stronger NCIP

REPRESENTATIVE Teddy Casiño is hoping for a stronger National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP).

Casiño lamented that NCIP is at the time when the agency is not following rules and regulations to champion indigenous peoples (IP), adding that there are instances where NCIP is the one giving the IPs problems.

He also said that aside from a stronger NCIP, a clear database for IPs must be created by the agency to have a census and enable to organize IPs all over the country.

Casiño said a clear representation for IPs should be done by the agency and should be a true champion for their rights. “The NCIP should be an advocate for the IP’s; they should not be a mediator.”

Months ago, Casiño filed a resolution urging the committee on national cultural communities to investigate, in aid of legislation, the arrogant mining project expansion of Far Southeast Gold Resources, and Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corporation with the backing of the NCIP despite the opposition of the IPs in Mankayan.

Casiño has been to the Mankayan barricade site and sided with the IPs in defense of their ancestral domain from further expansion of large scale mining operations.

He likewise cited the conflict of interest posed by Goldfields regional manager Louis Pawid and NCIP Commissioner Zenaida Brigida Hamada-Pawid, who happens to be Louis’ stepmother.

Casino said the mining project lies within Mankayan’s ancestral domain as documented.

The NCIP was created by the IPRA law to precisely protect and promote the rights of IPs and not any mining company or corporate interests detrimental to the current and future generations of our indigenous communities, Casino said.