NCIP: We did not abuse any foreign investors

This refers to the article of Mr. Delon Porcalla published by your paper last March 18, 2014, entitled ‘’NCIP ‘abuses’ killing Phl tourism-investor” found on page A19.

The Commission would like to express its disappointment on how Mr Delon Porcalla has presented the facts in his article. Mr. Porcalla permitted the publication of an article which is one-sided and biased. He did not make any effort to solicit the side of NCIP nor the Tagbanua ICC/IP. This is clearly irresponsible journalism violative of the Journalist’s Code of Ethics as adopted by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples denies any abuses on foreign investors. The Commission is committed to carry out its mandate as the primary government agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies, plans, programs to promote and protect the rights and well-being of the ICCs/lIPs and the recognition of their ancestral domains as well as their rights thereto. The Commission does nothing but to uphold the rights of the Indigenous Peoples as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous People’s Rights Act. The NCIP was not created under RA 8371 with the intention to extort money from owners of resorts and tourist spots nor to promote “legalized extortion.”

Stating the same is not only an insult to the integrity of RA 8371 but also to the framers of the law and that of the Indigenous Peoples of the Republic of the Philippines.

As to the statement of Mr. Orlando Sacay, if he believes that illegal activities are committed by employees or officials of NCIP, the Commission welcomes any information on this matter. NCIP will not hesitate to hold any employee or official responsible if his allegations are proven true and in violation of RA 8371 and other laws in keeping with the principle of”tuwid na daan” of this present administration.

With regard to the statement of Mr. Ted Sablada pertaining to the TRO issued against Hikari SSP Demo Farm, NCIP Regional Hearing Officer Kissack B. Gabaen is only consistent with the NCIP mandate to protect the welfare of indigenous people by issuing the same. The TRO was issued upon filing of a complaint by the Tagbanua ICCIIP of Barangay Bulalacao, Coron against Hikari for operating with an expired water lease agreement since August 12, 2012 and failure to present a free and prior informed consent ofthe affected cultural community, as required by law.

The Philippines STAR is requested to advise its writers/contributors to verify and make sure to air the other side in order to avoid bias and irresponsible journalism. NCIP Regional Office No. IV is open to answer any queries that may be raised relative to the above stated issues. — Roberto L. Almonte, Ceso III, Regional Director, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples