REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA) has been enacted based on International Instruments, notably the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and domestic laws, the 1987 Philippine Constitution among others. It is a Peace Agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GoP) and the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) nationwide as a result of more than a decade peaceful struggle (unarmed) of the IPs and half a decade negotiations with the Executive Department and both houses of Congress that the Philippine Government is oblige to implement without discriminating other Indigenous Peoples (Mindanao Lumads, Igorots and other IP groups in Luzon and Visayas)) whether within the ARMM or outside. The assertion of IPs for recognition, protection and promotion of their four (4) bundles of rights (Rights to Ancestral Domains/Lands, Right to Self-Governance and Empowerment, Social Justice and Human Rights and Cultural Integrity) is within the framework of national unity and development, hence, the IPs agenda in relation to peace negotiations between the GPH and the revolutionary groups must not be viewed as “spoiler of peace”. Indigenous Peoples have the Right to Self-Determination being recognized under the International Instruments and Domestic Laws, any group suppressing this right is guilty of racial discrimination and in violation of the international standard and the law of nature.
Posted on: Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:30:08 +0000
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