Aeta protesters near Mount Pinatubo crater arrested
MANILA, Philippines — Several Aeta individuals were arrested last April 18 during a protest near the crater of Mount Pinatubo in Capas Tarlac, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 confirmed on Saturday.
According to the PRO 3, the arrests were made due to alleged violations of local ordinances and national laws, including obstruction of public passage and unauthorized entry into an environmentally protected area.
READ: Aetas lift blockage set along Mt. Pinatubo trail
Reports from Capas Municipal Police Station said that the arrests were done following police operational procedures.
“Ang lahat ng aksyon na isinasagawa ng ating mga tauhan ay alinsunod sa umiiral na batas, kabilang na ang Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (RA 8371), at mga patnubay ng PNP [Philippine National Police] hinggil sa makataong pagtrato sa mga nasa kustodiya,” said PRO3 Regional Director PBGen. Jean Farjardo.
(All actions made by our personnel are in accordance with the existing laws, including the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (RA 8371), and the guidance from the PNP on humane treatment of those under custody.)
“Kinilala namin ang mga isyung binanggit ng NCIP [National Commission on Indigenous Peoples] at muli naming pinagtitibay ang aming pangakong pangalagaan ang karapatan ng mga katutubong pamayanan habang pinapanatili ang kaligtasan ng publiko,” Fajardo added.
(We recognize the issues raised by the NCIP and we are strengthening our promise to take care of the indigenous peoples’ rights while ensuring public safety.)
According to the NCIP on Friday more than 50 Aetas from Capas town blocked the access to the Mount Pinatubo crater to protest for fair compensation and recognition of their ancestral domain.
“The actions of the Aeta community underscore the need for meaningful dialogue on ancestral land rights and equitable tourism practices. Indigenous Peoples are vital stewards of our cultural and environmental heritage, and it is essential to respect their rights while promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism,” NCIP said in a statement.
NCIP also said that some individuals were arrested and released on the same day with no charges filed against them. However, the agency sought an explanation from the law enforcement authorities on the arrest made when the indigenous peoples were “peacefully airing their grievances within the four corners of their ancestral domain.”
READ: Aeta folk face road bumps on way back to tribal land
Meanwhile, the PRO3 said that it is currently reviewing the incident to provide an “accurate and objective account.”
“The NCIP and other concerned stakeholders will be invited to a joint dialogue to address the raised concerns, promote mutual understanding, and pursue constructive solutions,” the PRO3 noted.
The PRO3 also said that it will provide its personnel refresher training and community immersion programs through the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division “to strengthen engagement and cultural sensitivity when working with indigenous communities.”
