MARAWI CITY— Bangsamoro lawmakers officially introduced one of the remaining priority codes aimed at recognizing, developing, and protecting the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The proposed measure is among the top priorities for the interim government during the transition period.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) lists extensive indigenous peoples’ rights, encompassing native titles or Fusaka Inged, indigenous customs and traditions, justice systems, indigenous political structures, an equitable share in revenues from ancestral lands, free, prior, and informed consent, political participation, primary services, and freedom of choice regarding identity.

Parliament Bill No. 273, or the Bangsamoro Indigenous People Development Act of 2024, seeks to protect, promote, and preserve the collective rights of IPs in the region.

It recognizes and develops their ancestral domain, strengthens their indigenous political structure and political participation, and shields minority indigenous cultural communities from marginalization and discrimination.

The bill covers all native IPs in the region, including but not limited to the Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo, Erumanun Ne Menuvu, Higaonon, B’laan, Sama Dilaut, Sama Jama Mapun, Sama Bangingi, Sama Pangutaran, and other marginalized and minority ICCs recognized by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MIPA).

The 19-chapter code covers the title and declaration of policy, ancestral domain, ancestral lands, Fusaka Inged, self-governance, the indigenous political structure, mandatory representation of indigenous peoples in local legislative councils and policy-making bodies, tribal justice system, equitable share in natural resources, and priority rights of ICCs and IPs, among others.

The measure proposes the establishment of an Indigenous Peoples’ Council emphasizing the protection of IPs’ right to ownership and possession of ancestral domains and lands, 

The council will serve as an advisory body to assist the MIPA in implementing programs and services for ICCs and IPs, with each recognized tribe entitled to a representative seat.

The measure also seeks to strengthen IP representation in policy-making at the local government level.

Local chief executives in provinces and municipalities with at least five percent indigenous populations must appoint a deputy governor or mayor to represent indigenous communities.

The proposed code allocates a P200 million budget to ensure effective implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Development Act.

The BTA must enact seven priority codes, with five already passed into law. The Indigenous Peoples and Revenue codes are the two remaining that have yet to be enacted. (BTA Parliament/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)