27/01/2025
๐ฅ๐๐๐ | NCIP ADVISORY REGARDING WRONGFUL ACTIVITIES OF THE FEDERAL TRIBAL GOVERNMENT (FTGP)
27 JANUARY 2025
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), created by Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA), is the primary government agency mandated to promote and protect the rights and well-being of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) with due regard to their beliefs, customs, traditions, and institutions in accordance with Section 22, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which recognizes and promotes the rights of ICCs/IPs within the framework of national unity and development, and Section 6, Article XIII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which recognizes that rights of the ICCs/IPs to their ancestral lands to ensure their economic, social and cultural well-being.
The NCIP hereby informs the public, particularly the ICCs/IPs and the general public, of the wrongful activities of a group calling itself the "Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines (FTGP)."
Recent reports, such as the incident in Surigao City where FTGP members conducted unauthorized checkpoints and closures of establishments, citing IPRA to justify their actions, have raised serious concerns.
NCIP emphasizes that:
โข IPRA does not grant any individual or group the authority to establish a separate government. While the IPRA recognizes the inherent right of ICCs/IPs to self-governance and self-determination, this right does not extend to establishing a separate government or usurping legitimate government agencies' functions. The exercise of self-governance shall be within the framework of Philippine laws and shall not infringe upon the rights and authority of the State.
โข The FTGP does not represent the legitimate ICCs/IPs. It is not recognized as an Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) by the ICCs/IPs in Caraga Region or the NCIP. Its main goal is to solicit funds and favors for their personal gain under the guise of a legitimate IPO.
โข The FTGP, in setting up checkpoints and claiming authority over certain areas, is usurping the functions of legitimate government agencies, obstructing justice, and causing alarm and scandal.
โข Any activities that undermine the authority of legitimate government agencies or disrupt public order shall also be dealt with accordingly in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
โข The NCIP does not recognize or support the claims and activities of the FTGP. Only those organizations that are duly constituted and acknowledged by the ICCs/IPs, ensuring that their rights and interests are represented by legitimate IPOs shall be recognized by the NCIP.
WE URGE THE PUBLIC TO BE VIGILANT AND REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES OR INDIVIDUALS CLAIMING TO REPRESENT THE FTGP OR ANY ORGANIZATIONS AFFILIATED WITH IT TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR TO THE NCIP OFFICE.
We also urge all private entities and government agencies to coordinate with NCIP to verify the legitimacy of any organization claiming to represent the ICCs/IPs before engaging with them.
The Official Tourism page of the Municipality of Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte
