Camiguin Indigenous People's Org Denounces Exclusion By LGUs

By Mona Lagbas

APRIL 30, 2025, Cagayan de Oro City_ An indigenous group in Camiguin has denounced their exclusion from or non-cognizance by the municipalities of Sagay, Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mahinog and Mambajao and the provincial government.

In a press conference Wednesday in a local hotel, the group calling itself the Politikanhong Gambalay Ta Kamigin Tribe, in a letter addressed to the National Commission On Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), condemned the declaration issued by the two local government units for stating that there are no IPs in Camiguin.

The tribe, through their "Pamongpongan" Bae Feliza Tagupa, demanded rectification of the rights of the Kamigin Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC).

Officers and members of the Politikanhong Gambalay Ta Kamigin Tribe answer queries from the local media in a press conference Wednesday. Asserting that it is only the NCIP that has jurisdiction over their case, the tribe also claimed their rights over a One Thousand and Six hectares land located at Sagay and Mambajao which was recognized by then DENR Secretary Victor Ramos in 1998. Hence, the Kamigin Tribe seeks the 'perfection' of its rights over the area and the recall of the ordinances enacted declaring that there are no IPs in Camiguin island.