THE United Moro and Indigenous People’s Movement (Umip) is calling for fair and honest elections in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
Umip was launched on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and is composed of the 11 deputy mayors from the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes of Davao City, Balik Islam, and other sectoral groups. Umip is a non-partisan group based in Davao City.
Gabriel Nakan, chairman of Umip, said the movement’s goal is to urge leaders, especially candidates in the 2025 local and national elections, to pay more attention to the needs of the communities they represent.
“We stand for transparency, integrity, and fairness in the electoral process, ensuring that our communities' voices are represented with dignity and justice,” he said in a radio interview on GMA Super Radyo Davao.
Nakan added that the group will support leaders who align with Umip’s values and work to ensure genuine representation in governance, policy-making, and community development.
Michaela Mohamad, secretary general of Umip, said they aim to uphold fair and honest elections to protect the democratic rights of Indigenous and Moro communities. He emphasized that they will advocate for leadership that supports the interests of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
“This movement is our commitment to ensuring that the Moro and the Indigenous People’s Communities are not just acknowledged but fully included in governance development and decision making,” he said.
He also called on the public to remain vigilant and engaged in the electoral process. He stressed that governance must be rooted in service, integrity, and genuine concern for the people. He clarified that Umip does not support any political candidate but stands for its advocacy of leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and committed to the welfare of the Moro and IP communities.
Mohamad further said that Umip will continue to advocate for leadership that serves the public’s best interests. With this, they hope to create a future where every member of the tribe can thrive. He said the group believes that for their communities to prosper, they must be actively involved in governance and support leaders who uphold the rights and dignity of all sectors.
Included in Umip’s call are accessible and quality education, particularly the restoration of funds for National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) scholarships, strengthening healthcare services, peace and security, livelihood, protection of the environment and ancestral lands. RGP
