The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has called for support against the presence and invasion of terrorist groups in the Ancestral Domains (ADs) and communities of the Indigenous Peoples (IP).
"Our IPs’ ways of life and environment are continuously threatened by invasive conversion of their lands into New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla bases," NCIP said in a statement.
According to NCIP, the delivery of basic social services and full implementation of the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA) to the IP communities were being hindered by armed conflict and terrorism within their own lands.
The IP who are "caught in the crossfire of wars" are also being forced to join the Communist Terrorist Groups or leave behind their homes, lands, and livelihood, the commission added.
The IPRA is an act that recognizes, protects, and promotes the rights of the IP.
"We call everyone to defend individuals and groups who continue to serve and stand with our IP brothers and sisters as they continue their struggle to protect their rights," NCIP said.