IPs Leader files administrative, criminal complaint against Pagadian LGU Officials

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Posted by MINDANAO PAGADIAN FRONTLINE

Rio Olimpio A. Lingating

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboangaq del Sur (Dec. 11, 2014-MPF News) --- Pagadian City Subanen Tribal Leader Timuay Langhap Rio Olimpio A. Lingating has filed administrative and criminal complaint against the City Mayor, City Vice Mayor and some of the City Councilors of Pagadian City for allegedly ousting and not recognizing him as Ex-Officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod being the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR).

Lingating forwarded his Affidavit of Complaint dated December 1, 2014 to Hon. Rodolfo M. Elman, Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao accused City Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones, City Vice Mayor Divina Grace C. Yu and Sanguniang Panlunsod Members Ernesto A. Mondarte, Bienvenido C. Culve, Ricardo Victor S. Ona, Cesar C. Dacal Jr., Troy R. Asugas and Ricardo S. Alajeño all of Pagadian City who initiated, authorized and voted for my ouster and non recognition as Ex-Officio members of the Sanggunaiang Panlungsod, being the duly indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and the continuous refusal for my reinstatement is contrary to law, without legal basis and it had caused undue injury to me and the Subanen Indigenou Peoples community of Pagadian City, an act and omission punishable under RA 3019 Section 3(e).

It may be recalled that Lingating was earlier recognized and accepted by the 10^th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Pagadian as the IPMR but later on when changes in the composition of the Sangguniang Panlungsod occurred after the 2013 local elections, Lingating was no longer recognized and virtually ousted from position by virtue of a resolution later on passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Lingating claims that after his ouster his office at the Sangguniang Panlungsod building was padlocked.

Lingating said the NCIP conducted a Fact Finding Team to look into the matter regarding my removal. The NCIP issued a reinstatement order in my behalf after the fact finding determined that my removal was illegal. But the Mayor requested for a deferment until the General Assembly, which never took up the matter affirming the status quo on my appointment that will undermine the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Lingating also disclosed that he together with the Subanen People are now filing a case with the Ombudsman to confirm the legally of my appointment based on indisputable evidence and documents and to protest against moves to oppress us, to deprive us of our rights to participate in and decide on our well being, to develop ourselves as a people.

He said the said LGU Officials of Pagadian City are not just against my appointment but they are against the entire Subanen Community.

He added that his advocacy to fight for what is right is not only for the IPs in Pagadian City but to the whole country. Let it be known that a Subanen will stand his ground and will not succumb to powerful forces to undermine the development of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) he represents. (JONG CADION)