The plight of Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has come under sharp focus following a December 11 House inquiry. The Timuay Justice and Governance (TJG) and Climate Conflict Action (CCAA) raised alarm over the mounting issues confronting NMIP communities, including land-related conflicts and a disturbing wave of killings. These challenges highlight the fragility of NMIP rights and the gaps in governance structures meant to protect them.
Rising Violence Against NMIPs
At least 83 NMIPs have been killed, with South Upi and Datu Odin Sinsuat identified as hotspots of violence. Mary Joie Melis, an NMIP leader from TJG, described the fear and uncertainty gripping their communities. Speaking during the inquiry, she expressed concerns that these incidents might be linked to disputes over ancestral domain claims. “We call for a fair and thorough investigation of the killings,” Melis urged lawmakers, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action.
The spike in violence against NMIPs reveals deeper issues in the region. Land conflicts, exacerbated by historical grievances and the lack of proper delineation of ancestral domains, have become flashpoints for violence. With Maguindanao hosting a significant NMIP population, these disputes are particularly pronounced, threatening the social fabric of these communities.
Land Disputes and Institutional Failures
The non-implementation of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) in the BARMM remains a critical factor. Despite being a cornerstone of NMIP protection nationwide, IPRA’s provisions, including the recognition of ancestral domain claims, have not been fully operationalized in the region. Compounding this issue is the prolonged delay in the delineation process of NMIP ancestral domains, leaving communities vulnerable to encroachment and disputes.
These institutional gaps have emboldened perpetrators of violence and land-grabbing, creating a climate of impunity. Without clear boundaries or legal recognition, NMIP communities find themselves in a precarious position, unable to fully assert their rights or protect their lands.
The Need for Multi-Sectoral Action
The December 11 hearing convened key stakeholders, including representatives from the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Region (PRO-BAR), the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s MP Froilyn Mendoza, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MIPA). Their presence underscores the complexity of the issue, requiring coordinated action from various sectors.
For meaningful progress, stakeholders must prioritize the following:
- Comprehensive Investigations: Law enforcement must ensure impartial investigations into the killings, bringing perpetrators to justice and restoring a sense of security to NMIP communities.
- Implementation of IPRA: BARMM authorities must harmonize their governance framework with national laws to uphold NMIP rights, particularly regarding ancestral domains.
- Accelerated Delineation Process: Expedite the demarcation and recognition of NMIP lands to address the root causes of land-related conflicts.
- Increased NMIP Representation: Strengthen the political voice of NMIPs within the BARMM’s decision-making bodies to ensure their concerns are adequately addressed.
A Path Forward
The violence and land disputes affecting NMIPs in BARMM are not merely isolated incidents but indicators of systemic challenges that demand urgent attention. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that combines the enforcement of laws, institutional reforms, and the empowerment of NMIP communities. As Melis aptly noted during the inquiry, “the killings must end, and justice must prevail.”
For BARMM to truly embody inclusive governance and peace, it must protect its most vulnerable communities, ensuring that NMIPs are not left behind in the region’s transition to self-determination and stability.