A group led by Jorgeto Corpuz Santisas, also known as “Datu Adlaw,” has caused widespread alarm in Surigao City due to their alleged violations of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997. The group, claiming affiliation with the Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines (FTGP), has been accused of conducting unauthorized raids and padlocking local businesses, leading to confrontations with authorities.
Videos circulating online show tense encounters between the group and local police, with some members reportedly carrying weapons. Critics, including leaders of legitimate Indigenous Peoples (IP) organizations, have condemned their actions, labeling the FTGP as illegitimate and unregistered under the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
According to Datu Rico Maca, the IP Mandatory Representative of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, the FTGP’s actions have disrupted peace in the region and exploited the IPRA for personal interests. NCIP-Caraga has also issued a public advisory warning residents to verify the legitimacy of IP organizations and not to support groups like the FTGP.
Police Colonel Warren Dablo of the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office assured the public that investigations are underway, with criminal charges being prepared against Santisas and his followers. These include charges of alarm and scandal under Article 155 of the Revised Penal Code.
The group claims their actions are an assertion of ancestral domain rights over lands in Surigao and Caraga, but authorities and IP leaders dispute their legitimacy. Leaders like Datu Jimmy Guinsod have called for immediate government intervention to prevent further disturbances, stressing that the FTGP has no recognition within the legitimate Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) of the region.
With tensions rising, the NCIP and local authorities have vowed to take action against the group, ensuring the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and maintaining peace in Surigao City. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any activities by unregistered organizations to the appropriate authorities.
