“The indigenous peoples of Sumilao, Impasug-ong, and Manolo Fortich have been confronted with conflicts related to land and agriculture. Despite the passage of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 or IPRA (R.A.8371), unresolved land issues remain the primary drive of conflict affecting IP communities.
Low-level land disputes are often resolved through amicable settlement. IP communities tend to favor traditional judicial mechanisms through mediation by tribal leaders. Barangay and municipal officials confirmed that they recognize and encourage the IP to resolve low-level problems, and those left unresolved following mediation are referred to the LGU or the courts.”
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(Photo was taken during the Sumilao Indigenous Peoples General Assembly Meeting last March 2023 held in Sumilao, Bukidnon. Meanwhile, the text is an excerpt from the research scanning report of Leah Mae Nuncio, MedNet Regional Coordinator for Northern Mindanao and Davao.)