LMPF Position Paper on the use of the term "LUMAD"

LUMAD MINDANAW PEOPLES FEDERATION (LMPF) POSITION PAPER ON THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (NCIP) EN BANC RESOLUTION No.08-009-2021 s. 2021, A RESOLUTION DENOUNCING THE USE OF THE TERM "LUMAD" TO REFER TO INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COMMUNITIES/INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (ICCs/IPs} PARTICULARLY OF MINDANAO, AND ENJOINING THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS ICCs/IPs BY THEIR AFFILIATION OR ETHNOLINGUISTIC GROUP.

 

We, at LMPF fully agree and express our deep appreciation for the enumeration and emphasis of the pertinent provisions enshrined in the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines that committed and obligated the State to the recognition, respect and protection of our rights as Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). Republic Act 8371 better known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA) was enacted by the Congress of the Philippines as an enabling law to this commitment and obligation.

 

Republic Act 8371 is a world class domestic legislation crafted as a remedy to the centuries of injustice, neglect, discrimination, exploitation, oppression, manipulation and the like suffered by ICCs/IPs. Our collective suffering is a result of colonization particularly the imposition of discriminatory policies of assimilation and integration. Indigenous peoples are among the poorest and most relegated sectors of Philippine society. Thus, we experience neglect and discrimination in the provision of basic social services of the government.

 

The NCIP is mandated by law to be respectful and sensitive in its engagement with the ICCs/IPs, as the latter tries to regain, restore and strengthen its traditional self-governance structure.

 

In our view, the issuance by the NCIP of the cited resolution showed lack of sincerity and failed to conduct its affairs in accordance with the basic principle of due process and the rule of law. NCIP failed to consult the LMPF. This conduct is unbecoming of the primary state agency mandated to implement the applicable law, and to be respectful and sensitive in its engagement with ICCs/IPs.

LMPF is an institution of constructive partnership between and among diverse ICCs/IPs to assert their respective inherent, inalienable, collective and individual rights to identity, land and territory, self-determination and self-governance. LMPF is an independent indigenous peoples’ network that pursues and protects the legitimate and collective interest and aspirations of the ICCs/IPs through peaceful and lawful means [RA 8371, Chapter IV, Section 19]. LMPF has in fact contributed to the passage of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act. It is also accredited by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations as an indigenous nongovernmental organization representing the Lumad Peoples (Indigenous Peoples) of Mindanao, Philippines.

 

The implied portrayal of the LMPF in the negative light under the aforementioned NCIP en banc resolution is unexpected and extremely alarming amidst the crises people are now suffering.

 

The LMPF Governing Council has a high regard for Datu Lito Omos being the first Lumad Mindanao General Secretary. We expect him to speak with integrity, and be mindful of the collective honor and dignity of his people, the Mangguwangan People. Nonetheless, Datu Omos and the Mangguwangan People cannot impose their will, judgement and worldviews on the other equally independent-cum-autonomous diverse indigenous peoples of Mindanao.

 

Accordingly, as we move forward, seek more realistic opportunities for constructive dialogue, to strengthen unity for our common aspiration to survive as peoples. Learning from the past, LMPF Governing Council has come to know that those against the collective interest and unity of the Indigenous Peoples, never fail to use and mislead fellow ICCs/IPs in their divide and rule schemes.

 

The term ‘lumad’ has been used prior to the Lumad Mindanao founding assembly in 1986. The NCIP allegation that the term is chosen by CPP/NPA/NDF to control the identification of ICCs/IPs is ridiculous, unreasonable and absurd.

 

While we seek to align our interests with the state addressing issues involving the CPP/NPA/NDF, any collaboration or cooperation should be respectful and mindful of the true history of the ICCs/IPs, and should not involve any twisting of history. The use of term ‘lumad’ should not be understood as monopoly of the leftist group. This gives much undeserved credit to the CPP/NPA/NDF.

 

Looking at global realities, even those nations/states that adhere to the so-called socialist ideology, have all failed to address the legitimate aspirations of the indigenous peoples. Self-determination and self-governance can only be possible if indigenous peoples implement it themselves. The primary solution to the problem of powerless of the indigenous peoples is to restore their power of self-governance, so that they may live peacefully and sustainably as they practice self-determination.

 

Finally, LMPF Governing Council calls on the NCIP to be fair, inclusive and non-partisan. It must be faithful to its mandate to protect ALL the ICCs/IPs, adhere to the principle of due process, abide by the rule of law, and most importantly, to be respectful and sensitive to the legitimate interests of all parties concerned.



15 Mayo 2021. Mindanaw,Pilipinas.