IPs seeking justice and wants IPMR implemented in Zambo Sur

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Nov 14, 2016) – The Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Subanen Tribe in this province has continuously fighting in their struggle of seeking justice for illegal ouster of their tribal leader Timuay Langhap Rio Olympio ‘Bobby’ Lingating as Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in this city and the full implementation of Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA).

The National Commission on Indigenous People Regional Office IX called for a convergence of IP leaders of Region IX to commemorate the 19^th year anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA) held at Liga City Building in this City recently.

Regional Director Salong M. Sunggod, Commissioner Domingo M. Gomez of the NCIP and Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones of Pagadian City, were among the personalities who graced the occasion.

On this event also, Timuay Masala Braulio G. Anlimon, the CADT Head Representative and Council Chairman of the Unified Claim of Pagadian, Labangan, Sominot Subanen Territories submitted to the Commission their statement in order to voice out their sentiment.

According to Timuay Anlimon, 19 years had passed since the enactment of the IPRA but still they have to see the full implementation of the law. 19 years had passed yet politicians are still controlling the IP on how to chart their lives and development by interfering on who will sit as their Indigenous People Mandatory Representive or IPMR. Timuay Anlimon recalled the illegal removal from office of Timuay A. Lingating. Many IPMRs are yet to take their seat as IP Representatives all over Zamboanga Peninsula.

Timuay Anlimon had also been complaining about the illegal quarry operations inside their ancestral domain. According to him two meetings had been called by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to resolve the problem but as of this writing they still have to know the development of the complaint. It was known that prominent businessmen had acquired Industrial Sand and Gravel (ISAG) Permit from MGB without the consent (Free and Prior Informed Consent) of the IP. The same goes with quarry permits issued by the LGU. Timuay Anlimon was amazed how MGB and the LGU had issued these permits without their consent.

Timuay Anlimon hoped that by expressing these issues and problems, concern agencies like the NCIP and the DENR/MGB and even the LGUs will follow what was mandated by the IPRA. The indigenous people prayed that they will not wait for long a time to see the full implementation of the Law.