NCIP chief quits

MANILA, Philippines - The chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) announced her resignation during the commission’s meeting last Aug. 16, an official said yesterday.

The official, who declined to be identified because he is not authorized to talk about the matter, said NCIP chairperson Brigida-Zenaida Pawid has also informed the agency’s rank-and-file that she has resigned.

“Pawid has resigned both as chairperson and member of the commission,” the official said.

Although Pawid did not cite the reason for her resignation, NCIP sources believe that she has been affected by the executive order on mining issued by President Aquino recently. 

The EO would allow mining operations in certain areas, which to Pawid’s personal opinion should not be allowed at all.

Prior to her appointment at NCIP, Pawid has been a staunch anti-mining advocate.