Friday, September 05, 2008 Lumad groups hit NCIP over domain claims
TWO indigenous tribal groups from different provinces in Southern Mindanao scored on the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) for its inaction on their ancestral domain claims.
The heirs of Datu Bualan of the Bagobo Tribe told Sun.Star Davao that it has been almost 10 years since they tried to assert their rights as Indigenous People as provided for in the Indigenous People's Rights Act of 1997.
In a statement, the heirs of Datu Bualan said their claim to the 165-hectare parcel of land in SIrawan, Toril District in Davao City, which is said to be part of their ancestral domain, has been futile with the NCIP regional director allegedly just passing them on.
"Wala niya gi-aksyonan, ug iya ming gipasa sa private nga abogado na gikwartahan lang mi (There was no immediate action, and he passed us on to a private lawyer who milked us of our money)," one of the heirs said.
In the City of Mati, another tribe hit on the NCIP for its inaction on their tribes application for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT).
The lumads of Sitio Magum, Mati City in Davao Oriental said their application has allegedly not been acted upon by NCIP Southern Mindanao director Roque Agton Jr.
The Magum group, led by clan representative Salvador Barbado, waited for an invitation from the NCIP as it conducted its Information, Education Campaign (IEC) on the second week of August, but no invitation came.
The IEC is a regular program of the NCIP to inform and educate the IPs on their rights, their responsibilities, and the procedure in applying for CADT.
Barbado said that Sitio Magum is part of Barangay Macambol and the IPs residing in the area deserve to be included and allowed for participation in the activity initiated by the NCIP.
"Apan klaro kaayo nga dunay gi-paburan ang NCIP kay kaming mga taga-Magum nga supak sa mga desisyon sa opisyales sa Macambol Tribal Council wala na nila ilha nga mga lumad usab nga angay i-apil sa ilang actibidades (It is very clear to us that the NCIP is favoring another group and disregarding us from Magum because we have been very vocal to be against the decision of the tribal council officials.)," he said.
Barbado and his group shouted foul after the Macambol Tribal Council excluded them for participation and representation in the deliberations that led the council to pass a resolution favoring Amcor over BHP Billiton to operate in the said area.
The group, all the more, felt disappointed and discriminated when the NCIP did not act on the letter that they sent containing their request for the office to assist both groups settle the conflict.
The NCIP insisted that they only recognize one Macambol Tribal Council -- the group led by Mapinogos. (CPM)
