AFP, NCIP to determine ancestral domain in Central Panay

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): AFP, NCIP to determine ancestral domain in Central Panay

The 3rd Infantry Division (ID) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based in Jamindan, Capiz has agreed to re-survey their 33,310-hectare camp to determine which part belong to the indigenous people (IP) in the area.

The re-survey of the military reserve will be done later this month following the signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the AFP and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) last February 7 in Metro Manila.

AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista and NCIP Chairperson Brigida Zenaida Pawid signed the MOU with 3rd ID Commander Major Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. and 301st Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Arnold Quiapo as primary witnesses.

Other witnesses include NCIP Executive Director Atty. Basilio Wandag, NCIP Regional Director Alfonso Catolin, AFP Vice Commander Major Gen. Essel Soriano, and Panay Bukidnon tribal leader Norma Chavez.

Panay Bukidnon is the indigenous people’s (IP) group inhabiting Central Panay that covers part of the hinterland towns of Jamindan and Tapaz in Capiz. Mabanta said they are ready to give out the portion of the military reserve for the welfare of the IPs in Central Panay if it is part of their ancestral domain.

The re-survey will clearly determine the boundary of the IPs ancestral domain. Mabanta said the NCIP survey team will closely coordinate with other concerned parties like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the IP communities of Jamindan and Tapaz.

The result of the survey and agreed recommendations will be submitted to the AFP and NCIP for appropriate action. It will likewise be presented during the general assembly of applicants for the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title.

Mabanta said the MOU is the product of their continued engagement and collaboration with NCIP and local government units of Tapaz and Jamindan to settle the land dispute in the area.

On his part, Quiapo said the MOU also signifies their commitment to help the IPs. “We sympathize with the plights of the IPs and we consider their well-being in the military reservation area and we look forward for the development where the IPs can surely benefit,” Quiapo said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=496252