NCIP chief denies quitting, confirms internal squabble

BAGUIO CITY – The head of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) denied reports that she has resigned but confirmed there were squabbles in the commission.

Zenaida Hamada-Pawid said some groups wanted her out of the commission.

An official, who declined to be identified saying he was not  authorized to talk about the matter, earlier said Pawid announced her resignation during the commission’s meeting last Aug. 16.

“Pawid has resigned both as chairperson and member of the commission,” the official said.

Pawid, however, said she has a fixed term of office until Feb. 20, 2013.  She was appointed as commissioner of the NCIP in November last year.

“That is the official end of our term, we are not elected or appointed, we are designated,” she said.

Earlier reports said some groups are calling for Pawid’s resignation and filed charges against her before the Office of the Ombudsman.

A prime mover of the passage of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act or Republic Act 8371 that also created the NCIP, Pawid is a member of the of the multi-sectoral Cordillera People’s Forum.