‘IP’ group’s claims based on lies

THIS refers to Cerilo Daya’s letter titled “A last recourse to be heard.” (Inquirer, 5/4/11)

It is unfortunate that Daya had to resort to misinformation and lies about what is happening in the IP communities in Taganito/Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte area. By his own admission, he and his organization have brought their case to different government agencies and reported that “not one of them has taken a concrete action.” He added that they continue to be ignored and taken for granted.

Here are the facts which the public should know and which should clarify to Daya why government agencies and institutions have not taken up the claims of the Samahan ng mga Mamanwa, Manubo Tribes sa Taganito, Claver, Surigao del Norte at Surigao del Sur Inc. (Samamata):

1. The Mamanwas of Taganito and Urbiztondo, which are the IP communities directly affected by the operations of Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC), have an association called Asosasyon sa Madajaw na Panaghiusa ng Tribung Mamanwa sa Taganito ug Urbiztondo (Ampantrimtu). This association is registered with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) as an IP group, and with the Department of Labor and Employment as a people’s organization. Records show that Ampantrimtu has been receiving royalty and other benefits from TMC per the Memorandum of Agreement signed on July 18, 2006, by NCIP, TMC and Ampantrimtu; and per the Memorandum of Undertaking of Dec. 8, 2008. These are facts that can be validated anytime by anyone with the NCIP and DOLE.

2. The Samamata, of which Daya is the board chairman, was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission only on June 3, 2010, or about 10 months ago. A verification and validation with the NCIP-Surigao del Norte revealed that the names of its members are not on the list of Mamanwas who applied for, and later were granted, a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) in October 2006 by the NCIP. In fact, many on the membership list are non-IPs.

3. It is a fact that today, many non-IP individuals and groups have come forward claiming to be IPs and, therefore, entitled to receive royalties and other benefits from the mining companies.

4. TMC recognizes the NCIP as the government agency mandated to implement the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (Ipra). The TMC always seeks guidance from the NCIP in its dealings and relationship with its host Mamanwa community. To date there has been no announcement from the NCIP recognizing Samamata as an IP organization or as an organization entitled to receive royalties from TMC.

We would like to thank the Inquirer for this opportunity to clarify issues brought up by Daya. We would like to suggest that further queries regarding TMC’s royalty payments to the host IP community be directed to the NCIP.—JOSE B. ANIEVAS, resident mine manager, Taganito Mining Corp.