Alimaong hits rejection of bid for council seat

CEBU, Philippines - The indigenous group, Alimaong, yesterday cried foul over the Office of the National Commission on Indigenous People’s (NCIP) refusal to recognize them as one of the indigenous cultural communities.

However, Datu Bontito Leon Kilat, grand chief of Alimaong, and their supreme government called “Kinatas-ang Kahugpu-ngan sa Kapupud-an – Datus sa Alimaong,” said the NCIP’s stand does not take away their identity.

The group is pushing for representation in three barangay councils and in the Cebu City Council. But the NCIP says they have no legal personality to have their representatives at the legislative councils.

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

“Dili mawala ang among pagka-indigenous people just because we are not recognized by the NCIP,” said Bontito, whose real name was Vicente Gonzales Jr.

For him, the NCIP violated their rights as provided in Section 5 of the Rules and Regulations Implementing of the Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous People’s Right Act of 1997.

He added that the NCIP failed to inform them of all necessary information, including their rejection.

“They should call our attention and consult us. Ang nahitabo wala man mi gipahibalo,” he said, adding that they are not forcing themselves as part of the council, it is the law that’s mandating them as such.

They insist that they should be represented in the city government based on the law, which “recognizes, protects, and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities.” 

They said the law 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.” — (FREEMAN)