The military’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) has created its Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Desk (IPAD) with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), acknowledging the vulnerability of indigenous groups in Northern and Central Luzon from possible exploitation of the New People’s Army.
The Nolcom said that with more than 2 million indigenous people within its area of operations, the creation of its IPAD will fast- track coordination and facilitate efficient implementation of projects and programs to the different indigenous communities in Northern and Central Luzon.
The desk will allow the military’s area command to work closely with the NCIP, local government units and other stakeholders in addressing issues affecting indigenous people within its area, which might be exploited by the NPA and its front organizations.
“The Northern Luzon Command recognizes the important role of the indigenous people in promoting peace and development in this part of the country,” Nolcom commander Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said during a meeting creating the IPAD on Monday.
“Hence, the creation of the IP affairs desk is a manifestation of our unwavering commitment to protect the welfare of the indigenous peoples [IP] and preserve our cultural integrity,” Burgos said.
The desk is headed by Brig. Gen. Henry Doyaoen, deputy commander of Nolcom, himself an IP member with an ancestral lineage from the Ibaloi tribe in Benguet.
Other officials, including Roland Rivera, NCIP commissioner for Region 3 and the rest of Luzon, attended the meeting.
“The creation of the IP affairs desk is a big step towards protecting and promoting the rights of the indigenous people and preserving our cultural heritage,” Rivera said.
He said the “NCIP will work closely with the AFP to advance the well-being of the indigenous people, develop a culture of non-violence and support in developing a progressive indigenous cultural communities.”
Burgos said the creation of the IPAD was just among the proactive measures that his command is undertaking as it continues to collaborate and work with key stakeholders in ending communist insurgency within Nolcom’s area of responsibility.
“As advocates of peace and development, Nolcom will continue to collaborate and partner with the different government agencies and other concerned stakeholders for the implementation of programs and projects that will capacitate and empower the indigenous people and improve their living condition,” he said.