KIDAPAWAN CITY, COTABATO — A banana plantation owned by the son of former Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Radin Igwas was hacked down by still unidentified assailants in Sitio Embasi, Barangay Perez, Kidapawan City — an act now raising suspicions of a possible link to the ongoing tribal conflict that recently erupted in the area.
The victim, identified as Rave Asly Igwas, was left dismayed and angered after discovering dozens of banana trees on his family’s property cut to the ground by what residents described as “envy-driven vandals.” The plantation is located near the MKWD chamber, a few kilometers from the city center.
Residents are now asking whether the incident is connected to the recent protest staged by several tribal leaders outside the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) provincial office last October 1. During the demonstration, some protestors had directly mentioned former IPMR Radin Igwas, the victim’s father, accusing him of not being a legitimate holder of a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT).
The protest, attended by various Indigenous People (IP) groups, sought to denounce what they claimed were irregularities and bias in the selection of Kidapawan City’s new IPMR. Placards reading “Provincial NCIP bias mo disisyon” and “Hatagi pud ug pantay nga pagtagad ang tribu sa Kidapawan” called out alleged favoritism and disregard for tribal customs.
At the center of the dispute is the recent installation of Datu Damaso Bayawan as the new IPMR of Kidapawan City — the first in several years. While Bayawan has pledged unity and inclusivity, assuring that his leadership would bring development programs for livelihood, education, health, and infrastructure, several IP leaders remain unconvinced.
They argued that the NCIP had allowed outsiders to meddle in the process, disregarding legitimate tribal procedures and consensus. Among those criticized during the rally were Atty. Lantion, an NCIP official accused of partiality, and Radin Igwas, whose legitimacy as a CADT holder was questioned.
The vandalism at Igwas’ banana farm has now drawn concern among tribal elders and local officials, who fear the tensions might escalate into further hostilities if left unaddressed.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive or identify the perpetrators, but investigators are not ruling out the possibility that the destruction could be related to the brewing tribal leadership dispute.
Meanwhile, the Igwas family has urged law enforcement agencies to take immediate action, calling for justice and peace amid the rising division among Kidapawan’s Indigenous communities.
“This should not happen in a community that values kinship and unity,” one elder said. “If this was indeed connected to the dispute, it shows how far the conflict has already gone.”
As of press time, the NCIP and local police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.