Panaghiusa: Drop Trumped-up charge vs. Molbog youth leader

[TAGALOG] Panaghiusa: Ibasura ang gawa-gawang kaso laban sa lider-kabataan ng Molbog

Panaghiusa Philippine Network to Uphold Indigenous Peoples’ Rights demands the immediate dismissal of the fabricated charges against Molbog youth Angelica Nasiron, filed by Balabac Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Chieftain Hamidon Monsarapa.

Angelika Nasiron during a program in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform last 2024. Photo from Sambilog - Balik Bugsuk Movement via Bulatlat.

Cyberlibel has been weaponized yet again by state forces to silence Indigenous activists and rights defenders. Criticizing governance and asserting Indigenous Peoples' rights is not a crime. It is a legitimate and necessary exercise of the right to freedom of expression. 

“We express deep disappointment in IPMR Chieftain Hamidon Monsarapa for filing charges against his fellow Molbog, particularly a youth leader who is actively defending their ancestral land. We call on IPMR Chieftain Hamidon Monsarapa not to lend his position to the state’s divide-and-conquer tactics targeting Indigenous communities,” said Rikki Mae Gono, National Coordinator of Panaghiusa. “The government-imposed IPMR system has been used to divide Indigenous communities and to further the interests of the state and private corporations over the rights of Indigenous Peoples,” she added.

This case is only the latest in a pattern of harassment against Molbog in Sitio Marihangin. Previously, ten residents faced grave coercion charges filed by another official, former NCIP Officer-in-Charge Executive Director Atty. Caesar Ortega. These charges reportedly followed Ortega’s visit to the community on June 27, 2024. During that visit, residents said that he tried to pressure them to give up their ancestral land in exchange for cash.

“We assert that the NCIP, including IPMRs, is bound to respect and uphold Indigenous Peoples' rights to ancestral land, free expression, participation, and self-determination. Any action that undermines these rights through coercion or politically motivated cases is a violation of Indigenous Peoples’ rights,” Gono stated.

Panaghiusa stands with Indigenous Peoples of Bugsuk, Palawan, amid threats to their right to ancestral land, self-determination, and freedom of expression, especially their fundamental right to live in freedom, peace, and security, free from violence and discrimination. We demand the immediate dismissal of the trumped-up charges against Angelica Nasiron and other Molbog leaders. 

Justice demands steadfast recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ enduring fight for their rights. Panaghiusa stands in solidarity with their struggle against displacement, state repression, and the militarization of their communities—especially in Sitio Marihangin. We call for the full recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights to ancestral lands and self-determination. #

Reference:

Rikki Mae Gono

National Coordinator

Panaghiusa Philippine Network to Uphold Indigenous Peoples’ Rights