Alimaong tribe is not an indigenous group

CEBU, Philippines - It seems the group Kinatas-ang Kahugpungan sa Kapupud-an Datu Alimaong, who is pushing for representation in three barangay councils and in the Cebu City Council, has no legal personality to install their representatives.

This after the Office of the National Commission on Indigenous People headed by Hazel Torrefiel informed the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission that the Datu Alimaong is not one of the indigenous cultural communities recognized by the NCIP, contrary to the group’s claims.

The NCIP is responsible for the identification and issuance of certifications to rightful members of indigenous groups in the country.

“The Kinatas-ang Kahugpungan sa Kapupud-an Datu Alimaong is not one of the indigenous people that is recognized by NCIP of Region 6 and 7,” Torrefiel said in a letter addressed to Councilor Margarita Osmeña, chairwoman of the committee on tourism and vice chairwoman of CHAC.

Torrefiel also said they already informed the Department of Interior and Local Government-7 to inform other local government units of the findings as well.

To recall, the group went to the Mandaue City Council as they wanted to install a representatives but they were rejected.

They even went to Mayor Jonas Cortes to insist that they be represented by Paulus Mariae Cañete and his mother Mila Cañete in the city government.

They insisted that they should have a representation in the city government based on the memorandum circular no. 2010-119 dated October 20, 2010 taken from the DILG’s Section 16 of Republic Act No. 8371 or the Indigenous People’s Right Act of 1997.

The law “recognizes, protects, and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples, creating a national commission on indigenous peoples, establishing implementing mechanisms, appropriating funds.”           

They cited Section 16, which states that Indigenous Cultural Communities have the right to participate fully in all matters of decision making, in matters which may affect their rights, lives and destinies through procedures determined by them.

Following their rejection by the Mandaue City Government, the indigenous group also pushed for representation in the barangay councils of Capitol Site, Kamputhaw and Cogon Ramos in Cebu City.

Months after they lobbied the three barangays, the group also wanted to have representation in the Cebu City Council.   Since the group is not recognized by the NCIP, the CHAC recommended before the City Council to uphold and note the information provided by the NCIP by rejecting the tribe’s move.  (FREEMAN)