Alimaong tribe lobbying for seats in barangay councils

CEBU, Philippines - After pushing for representation in the Mandaue City Council, the indigenous group Kinatas-ang Kahugpungan sa Kapupud-an Datus Alimaong is now pushing for representation in the barangay councils of three barangays in Cebu City.

Members of the group went to Barangays Capitol Site, Kamputhaw and Cogon Ramos to lobby for representation.

Capitol Site Barangay Captain Manuel Guanzon said a certain Lorebel Belotindos who goes by the name of Datu Dila claimed she has the right to be in the barangay council by virtue of Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997.                    

The law “recognizes, protects, and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples, creating a national commission on indigenous peoples, establishing implementing mechanisms, appropriating funds.”

“I am presenting myself, Datu Dila, to be Indigenous People’s representative here in barangay Capitol in fulfillment of the mandatory of RA 8371 together with the guarantees of the State to receive the compensation, benefits and other forms of payment,” Dila said.

Meanwhile, Dila’s fellow tribe members also went to Barangays Kamputhaw and Cogon. They said the law gives them the “right to participate fully at all levels of decision-making, which may affect their rights and lives.”

But the barangay’s officials rejected the tribe’s move, saying the same is subject to the approval of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Guanzon argued that the group has not be recognized to be existing in the barangay. He argued further that he cannot accept them as he believes that the law cannot be applied in “our locality” except in the areas under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Mandaue City Council has also rejected the tribe, saying group has no record of its existence in the city.

Mandaue City Councilor and majority floor leader Diosdado Suico said they have based their decision on internal rules, which state that the Council shall be composed of the Vice Mayor, 10 elected councilors and two ex-officio members.

Suico said that while the Local Government Code allows sectoral representatives to sit in the Council, these representatives shall be appointed by the Council 90 days prior to the local elections. He said they have referred the matter to the National Commission on Indigenous People. (FREEMAN)