Kalinaw News: Philippine Army Strengthen its ties with National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and IPs in Davao Region

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 13, 2021): Philippine Army Strengthen its ties with National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and IPs in Davao Region



Tagum City – The 10th Infantry “AGILA” Division (10ID) strengthens its ties with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Region XI as it recognized the importance of the Indigenous People (IP) participation in the counter-insurgency efforts in the region. In a courtesy call on May 11, 2021 held at Headquarters, 10th Infantry Division, Brgy Tuburan, Mawab Davao de Oro, Major General Ernesto C Torres Jr, Commander 10ID discussed matters with Regional Director Attorney Michael Mamukid, NCIP Region XI regarding the need for all AFP and government agencies’ projects and programs to undergo Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) to obtain Certificate of Precondition.

The FPIC is a specific right for an Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC) and is recognized by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) giving them the right to allow or withhold their consent to projects that may affect their economic, social and cultural rights.

If such is allowed, Certificate of Precondition is given to the concerned project. Atty. Mamukid emphasized that the identified protected, sacred and production areas within the Ancestral Domain should be preserved and protected. This includes areas in Malabog Paquibato District, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, and Kapatagan, Davao del Sur. For the record, All People’s Organization organized by the Philippine Army in the community were recognized by their respective barangays specially that of the IPs.

“It is important that we should always consider the rights of our IP brothers and sisters in their ancestral domain. As much as we wanted to live a peaceful life in their community, we would also like to avoid unnecessary conflict in the future,” Major General Torres said. In addition, Atty. Mamukid also discussed their concept of recruiting IP to be part of the Philippine Army that it should be carefully selected among the best of the tribe, guided by their tribal leaders. Sanctions for IP-EP offenses and their roles in the organization were also discussed during the meeting. The organization believes that their enlistment in the army would help stop the CPP-NPA from exploiting their vulnerabilities. “Also, the enlistment of some IP in our organization have greatly contributed in our fight against insurgency,” he added.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/philippine-army-strengthen-its-ties-with-national-commission-on-indigenous-peoples-and-ips-in-davao-region/