National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairperson Nancy Catamco has assured Mandaya leaders in Barangay Macambol of a resolution to the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) dispute, directing the conduct of proper documentation and confirmation within three months.
Catamco personally visited Barangay Macambol on Thursday to address concerns over the IPS in the area.
Mandaya leaders from Macambol and Cabuaya questioned the recognition of interim tribal officials, saying it violated NCIP en banc decision No. 167-2024-AD, series of 2014, which governs the certification of traditional leadership and governance systems within Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).
Community elders have called for a national-level investigation, citing alleged patterns of oppression, corruption and disregard for Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
They also demanded transparency over PHP19 million in mining royalties that they claim were released and spent without proper consultation or approval from the Council of Elders.
“What happens here – we are supposed to be united, one tribe, one IPS. But instead, we are divided because of money,” Catamco said, stressing that unity and kinship must prevail over financial disputes.
The dialogue allowed both current IPS leaders and interim officials to present their side. After hearing both parties, Catamco directed NCIP Davao Oriental Provincial Officer Julius Mabini to conduct proper documentation and confirmation of IPS within three months, assuring that funds for the process will be provided.
Effective Sept. 10, both parties agreed to temporarily abolish the IPS structure pending documentation.
Catamco described the move as a “back-to-zero” approach, meaning the community will first document how IPS representatives are chosen and qualified, with the en banc tasked only to confirm.
Mabini said the process will begin with culling documents from Barangays Macambol and Cabuaya.
“I can assure that in three months’ time we will finish this. But we want to ask your cooperation during the documentation process,” he added.
The results of the documentation will be presented to the community on Dec. 10. (PNA)
