NCIP expenses for NTF-ELCAC flagged

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga regional office spent P1.064 million for a regional workshop of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, but lacked sufficient documents that cast doubts on its propriety and regularity. There was also no public bidding on the procurement for the two-day planning workshop held at Amontay Beach Resort in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, in November 2020. The NCIP is tasked with implementing policies, plans and programs to protect the rights of indigenous peoples. The Commission on Audit found that the NCIP Caraga overpaid for meals and hotel accommodations when it overestimated the number of participants. It was attended by 300 to 500 people, but the accommodations were made for 545 guests. —Julie M. Aurelio