DAVAO CITY – Leaders of the Indigenous Peoples Political Structure of the Mandaya tribe from two barangays in Mati City questioned the recognition of interim tribal officials, saying it violates a National Commission on Indigenous Peoples memorandum that allows only the Commission en Banc to confirm an IPS formally.
Datu Vidal Mapinogos Jr. and Datu Simplicio Mendoza Jr. of the IPS, representing five Mandaya clans, said Barangay Councilor Errol Aquino's claim that the NCIP recognized the interim officers she appointed contradicts NCIP Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2026, issued by NCIP Chairperson Nancy Catamco on May 20.
"The memorandum circular directs strict observance of the guidelines for the confirmation of Indigenous Political Structures," the tribal leaders said in a statement. "It declares void ab initio any certification, endorsement, recognition, or similar issuance made contrary to existing procedures."
NCIP Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2026, also states that only the NCIP Commission en Banc may formally confirm an IPS through an En Banc Resolution and a corresponding Certificate of Confirmation signed by the chairperson.
Mapinogos said Aquino and several NCIP regional and provincial officials introduced interim IPS and Indigenous Peoples Organization officials during a gathering of the five clans from Barangays Macambol and Cabuaya on March 14, despite the absence of formal confirmation from the Commission en Banc.
"We are left to wonder where she derived such authority to install IPS officers," Mendoza said. "Or does she continue to rely solely on the political backing of provincial and city leaders to impose her own IPS unlawfully?"
The IPS leaders also questioned Aquino's statement during the March 14 meeting, where she allegedly told tribal members the following: "What are we afraid of? The governor is ours. The mayor is ours. The NCIP is ours."
Mapinogos said the remark suggested undue political influence in the recognition of the interim officials.
The dispute escalated on July 22 when Aquino allegedly organized the presentation of the interim officers at the Macambol Barangay Hall.
Mapinogos claimed public roads leading to the venue were blocked, preventing legitimate clan members and residents from attending the event. He also alleged that a school bus and an ambulance were among the vehicles affected.
According to the IPS leaders, community members rejected the interim officials during the gathering, with more than 1,000 residents opposing their recognition.
The leadership dispute comes amid the continuing controversy over the P19-million royalty fund released by Hallmark Mining Corp. in 2024.
“Political coercion and abuse of influence have no lawful place within the Ancestral Domain of the Mandaya tribe in Barangays Macambol and Cabuaya, where the legitimate title holders—comprising five clans—exercise their collective rights,” the tribal leaders said.
Mapinogos said the legitimate IPS has repeatedly sought an accounting of the funds intended for the development of Mandaya communities within the mining area.
The tribal leaders claimed that Aquino has yet to submit resolutions, financial records, or other official documents detailing how the 2024 royalty fund was utilized.
They also expressed concern over the planned release of the P32-million royalty fund for 2025, saying accountability for the previous year's royalties should come first.
"The legitimate IPS, representing the five clans of Macambol and Cabuaya, continues to uphold its position of accountability first before the release of the royalty," Mapinogos said.
Aquino and the NCIP have yet to issue a response to the allegations raised by the IPS leaders as of posting time.