THE National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP)-Cordillera Administrative Region has elevated the case of Baguio City’s Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Roger Sinot Sr. to the NCIP central office for appropriate action.
Due to various protests over the selection process and allegation of disqualifications against Sinot, NCIP regional director Ronald Calde elevated the issue to the office of the chairperson through the legal affairs office (LAO) and Office of Empowerment and Human Rights (OEHR) for their review and appropriate action.
“Calde is inhibiting himself who should give the certificate of affirmation,” said NCIP Commissioner for Ilocos region and Cordilleras Basilio Wandag. “We will see in the central office if they will issue certificate of affirmation, depende sa commissioner.”
Calde, in his report, said he had no recourse but to inhibit himself to avoid suspicion of impartiality after Sinot recently filed a case against him in the Office of Ombudsman for failing to issue the certificate of affirmation.
Ibaloi elders on September 23 endorsed Sinot to the City Council of Baguio after his selection as IPMR.
Calde sent a letter, acknowledging the supposed reaffirmation of Sinot.
However, the said assembly was questioned by some of the indigenous peoples of Baguio City in the NCIP office.
The NCIP director added he anchored such actions on the NCIP administrative order 001 series of 2009, section 16 and section 4.