Residents of Marihangin in Bugsuk, Palawan are calling for justice and government intervention as they face alleged harassment, threats to their livelihood, and hurdles in securing land rights.
Representatives from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Palawan Police Provincial Office (PPPO), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) met with 12 residents in a dialogue prompted by Palawan Governor Dennis Socrates.
The residents accused local authorities and private groups of failing to protect their community from armed men allegedly encroaching on their land.
“We went to CHR Palawan, and they contacted the police. But instead of arresting the men who fired guns, the police let them change clothes and escape,” said Angelica Nasiron, a Molbog indigenous resident of Marihangin. “We’ve submitted complaints, but it feels like nothing is happening.”
Nasiron said the threats have left many residents unable to work for fear of violence.
In response, PCOL Joel Casupanan of the Philippine National Police assured the residents of their safety.
“Don’t believe in scare tactics. Demolition can’t happen without a regional director’s order. There are 18 officers stationed there; you can approach them anytime if harassed,” Casupanan said, adding that charges have already been filed against individuals involved in shooting incidents.
However, the police clarified they could not expel the armed men in the area, citing their legal status as claimants. “The security guards are legitimate and licensed through legal channels. We can’t stop them unless they engage in illegal activities like firing guns,” said Atty. Raul Regala of the PNP.
The community’s quest for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) remains stalled. The application, filed in 2005 by the indigenous group SAMBILOG, has faced delays and opposition.
“A petition to cancel your application was submitted in 2005, citing a lack of basis,” said Atty. Jansen Jontilla of the NCIP. “Attached to this petition are nine land titles.”
NCIP officials acknowledged the complexities, noting overlapping claims and competing interests. “The issue lies in two groups claiming the same waters. We hope to resolve this soon,” said Atty. Edmond Gastanes of NCIP.
Gastanes explained that the CADT application is still in its initial stages, with much work remaining. “Issuing a CADT is a complex process requiring substantial evidence,” he said.
The delays have fueled suspicions among residents that corporate interests, including those of San Miguel Corporation and other landowners, are influencing the process.
Soc Banzuela, National Coordinator of PAKISAMA, said such delays benefit businesses operating on contested lands.
Residents also raised concerns about access to essential services. The Barangay Hall of Bugsuk, located on a private island, is the designated point for securing official documents.
“Bugsuk is private property. This issue only came to our attention now, but we are working on solutions,” said Virgilio L. Tagle, DILG Palawan Provincial Director.
Tagle suggested that canceling the title over Bugsuk might restore residents’ access to services. “If the title is canceled, I think everything can be resolved,” he said.
Residents emphasized the urgency of government intervention. Marilyn Pelayo, president of the Sambilog Marihangin Chapter, appealed for concrete steps to end the harassment and secure their rights.
“While processing the CADT, we hope measures can be taken to stop the harassment. We cannot earn a living, and that is causing us immense hardship,” Pelayo said.
The community also urged authorities to act decisively to prevent violence, expedite land rights processes, and ensure equal access to services.
