Ex-NCIP chief defends ruling

MANILA, Philippines - A former chief of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) yesterday slammed what he described as “irresponsible” statements being issued that are prejudicial to the quasi-judicial body attached to the Office of the President.

At the same time, Basilio Wandag, erstwhile NCIP executive director, defended Victor Gumisa as the “genuinely recognized leader” of the Balatoc sub-tribe in Pasil town, Kalinga province.

The statements arose as NCIP hearing officer Guillermo Kadatar issued on June 25, 2013 a temporary restraining order, followed by a writ of preliminary injunction on Sept. 9, 2013, enjoining a mining consortium to “cease and desist” from pursuing mining operations in ancestral lands in Balatoc for supposedly failing to present a free and prior informed consent of the affected cultural community, as required by law.

Wandag, in a statement, said Kadatar was merely consistent with the NCIP mandate to protect the welfare of indigenous people.

Wandag said Gumisa was the Balatoc community-appointed and NCIP-mandated leader.