IP reps oppose meet set by NCIP to choose Baguio City IPMR

By Alfred Dizon

BAGUIO CITY – Representatives of indigenous peoples here opposed an assembly set by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Baguio office to choose an indigenous people’s mandatory representative for the city saying an IPMR had been selected already.      
    In a letter to NCIP chairman Allen C. Capuyan dated June 30, 2022, IP representatives said: “We bring to you our opposition to the Notice issued by Urbano B. Mirante, DMO V. NCIP Baguio City Officer for general assembly, to be held at The Avong Ibaloy Heritage Garden, Burnham Park. Baguio City is a melting-pot of all Cordillera ethno-linguistic tribes of which we find the notice of IPMR selection exclusive rather than inclusive. Our opposition is mainly based on the fact that the first selected IPMR to the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Baguio has yet to assume office and so what is the use of conducting another selection. Let us not create or establish a very bad precedent where the chosen IPMR cannot sit to represent the indigenous peoples in a decision-making body due merely to power play by individuals who are clearly anti indigenous peoples.”
    They said  “Republic Act no. 8371 is very clear when it said that: Indigenous cultural communities(ICCs)/IPs have the right to participate fully, if they so choose, at all levels of decision-making in matters which may affect their rights, lives and destinies through procedures determined by them as well as maintain and develop their own indigenous political structure, Consequently, the state shall ensure that the ICCs/Ips shall be given mandatory representation in policy making bodies and other local legislative counsils.”
    They quoted section 39 which said “NCIP shall protect and promote the interest and will-being of the ICCs/Ips with due regard to their beliefs, customs, traditions and institutions.”
    “We  appeal to the NCIP to ensure that the first selected IPMR to the City Council of Baguio be allowed to serve his term in accordance with the clear legistative intention of aforequoted legal provisions.
    “We really believe that had the NCIP discharged its legal mandate, the ICCs/Ips of the City of Baguio should have been represented in the City Council by the first selected IPMR.
    “Disregarding such first choice and selecting another without guarantee of him or her assuming in office is a clear blow to the law that aptly called “Indigenous People’s Rights Act.”
    They urged Capuyan that the “general assembly be halted until and unless the first selected IPMR is allowed to serve his term so as not to set a very bad precedent which is clearly contrary to law.”
    Roger D. Sinot was earlier selected by indigenous groups regionwide as Baguio IPMR but he was not able to assume office because of a restraining order issued by a Baguio court after some disgruntled personalities reportedly filed cases against Sinot’s assumption as IPMR.
    Among others, those who signed the letter to Capuyan included Evelyn Miranda, president of Amamong nan Ifontik Baguio Benguet; Jose Baluda, president, Baguio Ancestral Land Council of Elders; Geraldin Cacho,  Tongtongan Ti Umili Baguio aand March Fianza, member of Ancestral Land Council of Elders.
    Copies of the letter were furnished to the NCIP regional Cordillera office and Commssion on Civil Service Baguio.