NCIP exec faces raps for threatening tribal leader

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines —The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file charges against the director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Caraga for allegedly threatening to shoot a leader of the Mamanwa tribe.

In a resolution released on Monday, the ombudsman said Jose Jake Dumagan faces charges of grave threat under the Revised Penal Code.

Records show that in March 2017, Dumagan invited Reynante Buklas to a meeting over the tribal leader’s decision to discontinue the legal services of former Surigao City mayor Alfonso Casurra.

“Do you see that rifle, it has a very big scope. I will use that rifle to have you shot in the legs so you will be limped. But I will not kill you. You better think of your decision,” Buklas was quoted as telling Dumagan, based on ombudsman records.

Dumagan also reportedly threatened to replace Buklas as leader of a tribal community in Barangay Taganito, Claver, Surigao del Norte.

The NCIP official had been earlier suspended for six months for simple misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a public official in connection with the incident.