29.5 C
Manila
Friday, March 29, 2024

NCIP, PRO-Davao To Set Up IP Desk In Police Stations

- Advertisement -

Davao City –   The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Police Regional Office 11 (Davao region) have agreed to establish an IP desk and designate an officer in all police stations to address security issues and concerns of the tribal communities.

The NCIP and PRO-11 officials signed on Friday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to implement a program called “Convergence of Indigenous Peoples and Police” that includes the establishment of an IP desk similar to that of the women’s and children’s desk.

Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, PRO-11 director, said the IP desk will receive and address various issues and concerns from members of the IP group.

Morales said they will also closely coordinate with tribal leaders to set an effective and efficient delivery of legal and basic services for the protection of the IPs against all forms of abuses and harassment.

“Many IP groups are being harassed by the communist terrorist group, especially in Talaingod (town in Davao del Norte). Others have complained of their cultural rights being trampled upon so we want to protect their rights towards social justice and cultural integrity,” Morales said.

Under the MOU, the NCIP will update police personnel on the laws, beliefs, traditions, and customs of the IPs to further promote tolerance, understanding and good relations between law enforcement agencies, NCIP and IP communities.

“This is our effort to ensure, protect and promote the interest and well-being of our Indigenous Peoples with due regards to their beliefs, customs and traditions,” Morales added.

The MOU was signed by Morales for PRO-11 and lawyer Leonor T Oralde-Quintayo, chairperson of NCIP-11.

The signing was also witnessed by NCIP-11 Director Geroncio Aguio; Audrey Perez, DSWD-Indigenous People Coordinator; Bai Halila Sudagar, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative of Davao City; and Datu Rodolfo Mande, Matigsalug Tribal Leader-Marilog District, Davao City.

Chief Insp. Jason Baria, PRO-11 spokesperson, said personnel assigned to the IP desk will also undergo a seminar and orientation on IP rights and laws.

Baria said Morales will also start inspecting all lower units to ensure compliance and implementation of the directive.

- Advertisement -

Leave a Reply

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -