Ibalois prevented from wearing G-string

MANILA, Philippines - Three Ibaloi tribesmen were reportedly prevented by the US Secret Service escort of former US President Bill Clinton from wearing their G-string inside the Manila Hotel where the former US leader spoke on “Embracing our Common Humanity” as founding chairman of his William J. Clinton Foundation on Wednesday.

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) chairman lawyer Roque Agton has ordered an investigation into the reported incident.

Reports reaching the NCIP said Dr. Vladimir Cayabas, administrator and board director of the Baguio-based National Institute for Information Technology, complained that the US Secret Service prevented him and his two companions from wearing their traditional costume.

Agton said if the report is true, then it’s a clear case of racial discrimination, a violation of the international convention on the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples.

“It’s (wearing G-string) the Ibaloi tribe’s way of life, and you cannot take that right away from them. It’s protected under international law,” he said.

Agton said the treatment of the Ibaloi tribesmen during the event is a racial discrimination case that can be elevated to the United Nations.

The alleged discrimination took place on the day President Aquino ordered the transfer of the NCIP from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) back to the Office of the President (OP).

Mr. Aquino signed Executive Order 11, returning the IP body back under his office to “ensure concerted efforts in formulating and implementing policies, programs and projects geared towards the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples.”

In a press statement, the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles was designated oversight official of the NCIP and two commissioners were also appointed.

The new commissioners are Zenaida Brigida Hamada-Pawid, representing Region I and the Cordilleras, and Dionesia Banua, standing for the island groups including Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, Panay and the rest of the Visayas.

Apology demanded

Cayabas, for his part, said while they do not intend to file any case regarding the maltreatment that they received, the organizers should apologize not only to Cordillerans but to all indigenous peoples in the world.

“We went there using our tribal gear to represent our region. We went there to participate and learn, and not to be labeled as terrorists or suspects,” said Cayabas.

Cayabas was with two students of the NIIT – Moshe Dacneg, an Igorot from Taccong, Sagada town, and Joneelyn Aparri.

He said they were already inside the hall when a US Secret Service agent approached Dacneg who was wearing a G-string and told him to “follow me.”

Sensing discrimination at its height, Dr. Cayabas said he insisted to the American agent that there was no guideline on what to wear during the forum.

“In fact, we were already allowed to go inside after security checks on our things at the entrance,” he said.

Apparently, the American agent fumed and started to point fingers at Cayabas and even warned, “We won’t mind dragging you in a drastic way if you act differently.”

Standing their ground, Cayabas said they did not leave the hall if only to prove they were there only to learn. – With Jose Rodel Clapano, Artemio Dumlao