Bukidnon tribal leaders reject NPA, reaffirm commitment to peace

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon — Higaonon tribal leaders and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from several Bukidnon towns formally declared their rejection of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) during a peace assembly held Thursday, June 4 in this town.

The declaration, dubbed “Deklarasyon sa Kalinaw ug Pagsalikway sa CPP-NPA-NDF,” gathered tribal chieftains, elders, councils, and community representatives from Impasugong, Malitbog, Libona, Sumilao, Baungon, Talakag, Manolo Fortich, and Malaybalay City at the Municipal Dome.

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The event was spearheaded by Bukidnon Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Datu Makayuba, also known as Renato Sumbongan, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, the local government of Impasugong, and the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion.

In a collective declaration, tribal leaders formally withdrew their support for the communist rebel movement and pledged to work toward lasting peace, stability, and development within their ancestral domains.

The declaration was made during a Higaonon Assembly that also focused on strengthening the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS), the traditional governance system that preserves customary laws, leadership practices, and cultural heritage among Indigenous communities.

Organizers said the gathering highlighted the important role of tribal leaders in peace-building, community governance, and protecting Indigenous rights.

The declaration carries particular significance in Impasugong and neighboring upland municipalities, which were once considered areas affected by communist insurgency due to their mountainous terrain and remote communities.

For decades, clashes between government forces and communist rebels disrupted economic activities and affected farming communities in parts of Bukidnon.

However, local officials said sustained peace and development efforts, coupled with the support of tribal leaders, have helped reduce insurgent influence in many Indigenous communities.

By publicly rejecting the CPP-NPA-NDF, Higaonon leaders said they are sending a strong message that Indigenous communities in Bukidnon prefer peace, self-governance, and development over armed conflict. /jpv