October, a month dedicated to commemorating the passage of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), serves as a glaring reminder of the ongoing struggle of indigenous peoples (IPs) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to defend their ancestral lands. The region has become a battleground as extractive industries relentlessly encroach upon their territories, violating their fundamental rights—particularly the right to free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC).
FPIC, enshrined in the IPRA, mandates that IPs must be consulted and give their consent before any development project affecting their ancestral domain can proceed. However, this legal requirement has been repeatedly ignored by extractive corporations and government agencies alike. The Cordillera has witnessed a disturbing pattern of disregard for IP rights, exemplified by the renewal of mining permits without proper FPIC, the issuance of exploration permits despite rejections, and the continued operation of mining companies even after adverse rulings from the highest court mandating FPIC.
These acts of impunity are not isolated incidents but rather symptomatic of a systemic disregard for IP rights. Government agencies, entrusted with protecting these rights, have instead shown a troubling tendency to prioritize the interests of large corporations over the welfare of indigenous peoples. The overturning of IP resolutions opposing destructive projects and the non-recognition of non-consent resolutions are clear indications of this bias.
Moreover, the rise of fraudulent indigenous peoples organizations (IPOs) has further complicated the situation. These illegitimate groups, often recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), have been used to suppress dissent and facilitate corporate interests. Their actions have undermined the authority of legitimate IP elders and leaders, eroding the autonomy of Indigenous communities. These IPOs act more like brokers and dealers rather than stewards of their communities.
The persistent violations of FPIC rights, coupled with the imminent expiration of several mining permits in the coming years, pose a grave threat to the future of Indigenous communities in the Cordillera. The fear that these license renewals will be accompanied by the same disregard for IP rights has created a sense of despair and uncertainty among IPs.
It is imperative that the government and extractive corporations take immediate action to address these issues. The FPIC process must be genuinely implemented, and government agencies must prioritize the rights of indigenous peoples over corporate interests. Furthermore, the NCIP must exercise greater vigilance in recognizing IPOs and ensure they are legitimate representatives of their respective communities.
As we celebrate October as the National Indigenous Peoples Month, it is vital that we go beyond the usual festivities of gongs and native regalia. The current situation in the Cordillera, where IPs are under siege by extractive industries, demands deeper reflection and a more resolute call to action.
The persistent violations of FPIC rights, the disregard for IP resolutions, and the emergence of fraudulent IPOs are just a few of the challenges Indigenous communities face in the region. These issues are not merely abstract concepts but have real, tangible consequences on the lives of IPs. They are losing their ancestral lands, cultural heritage, and livelihoods.
This October, let us not simply celebrate the IPRA but actively work towards its implementation. We must demand that government agencies prioritize the rights of indigenous peoples and hold extractive corporations accountable for their actions.
We must support legitimate IP organizations and expose the fraudulent ones. And we must continue to raise awareness about the plight of indigenous communities and advocate for their rights.