LIANGA, Surigao del Sur — Strengthening the role of Indigenous leaders and community defenders in maintaining peace and protecting ancestral communities was the focus of a summit organized by the Philippine Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion in Surigao del Sur on November 13, 2026.
The summit, held at Gold Bar Hotel and Restaurant in Bag-ong Lungsud, Tandag City, brought together Tribal Leaders and Bagani, or traditional tribal defenders, to discuss their responsibilities in supporting peace and security under the military’s Localized Territorial Defense System (LTDS).
The activity was organized by the 36th Infantry Battalion, under the 4th Infantry Division, led by its Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Joselito B. Ante Jr., under the supervision of the 401st Infantry Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Benjamin L. Leander.
Discussions centered on the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, preservation of cultural heritage, civilian safety, and the importance of community-based security monitoring. Participants were also oriented on appropriate mechanisms for identifying and reporting potential internal and external threats through established coordination channels.
Beyond security monitoring, the summit highlighted the importance of preparing Indigenous communities for emergencies. Participants discussed early warning systems, information-sharing and reporting procedures, coordination with government agencies, and the provision of assistance during the safe and orderly evacuation of civilians when necessary.
The discussions underscored the importance of involving Indigenous leaders in community protection efforts while ensuring that their responsibilities remain anchored in the recognition of Indigenous rights, cultural identity, and civilian protection.
The activity received support from Provincial Tribal Chieftain Hawudon Engwan S. Ala, Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Hon. Jimmy I. Guinsod, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Provincial Officer Christopher C. Ayeng.
The Surigao del Sur provincial government, under Governor Johnny T. Pimentel, also supported the initiative, alongside the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), represented by Provincial Director Rizza D. Sion.
The 36th Infantry Battalion said the summit forms part of its Peace and Security Sustainment Mechanism (PSSM), an initiative designed to reinforce community participation and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous leaders, local government units, and government agencies.
The Army said these collaborative efforts are intended to sustain the gains of Stable Internal Peace and Security in Surigao del Sur.
The gathering also highlighted the importance of ensuring that peace and security initiatives in Indigenous territories are not confined to military and government interventions but are supported by community leadership, local knowledge, and established mechanisms for protecting civilians.
As Indigenous communities continue to play an important role in the stability of their ancestral territories, strengthening their capacity to identify risks, respond to emergencies, and coordinate with relevant institutions remains a significant part of sustaining peace in the province.