“We are so grateful for the cooperation of all the IPs of CADT 092. The agreement is important in preserving their cultural heritage and ancestral domain rights of Indigenous communities, honoring their deep-rooted connection to the land and resources, and promoting their identity and continuity,” said 29IB commanding officer, LtCol. Cresencio C. Gargar.
“The government troops have pledged to ensure the security and protection of the IPs of CADT 092 against threats or encroachments on their territory,” he added.
“The partnership will help empower the indigenous community through capacity-building programs and socio-economic initiatives, enabling them to actively engage in decisions affecting their ancestral domain,” Gargar said.
“The 29IB has usufructuary rights over 16,496 square meters of land to be used as sites for company command posts and patrol bases. Three sites were identified and put into terms that include the company command post at Sitio Pulang Lupa, Barangay Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, having an area of 5,716 sq. m.; the patrol base at Sitio Dagnasay, Barangay Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, with a lot area of 8,890 sq. m.; and the 1,890 sq. m. for patrol base at Sitio Lusong, Barangay. Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City,” National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Regional Director Ordonio P. Rocero said.
Rocero supported the granting of the usufructuary rights to the 29IB by the CADT right holders, stating, “This move strengthens the security force of the ancestral domain. The AFP serves as the main protectors of the state and the people from all forms of threats to national security, territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and the welfare and safety of the people, including the ICCs/IPs.”
The grant of CADT leaders’ usufructuary rights to the AFP served as a pioneering peace partnership in the Caraga region. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)
