ILIGAN CITY — In a landmark display of unity, Higaonon tribal leaders and indigenous community representatives from across Bukidnon gathered on July 4, 2026, at the Municipal Dome in Impasugong to formally adopt the “Deklarasyon sa Kalinaw ug Pagsalikway sa CPP-NPA-NDF.”

Strengthening Indigenous Governance

Spearheaded by Datu Makayuba Renato Sumbongan, the Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), the assembly represented tribal councils from eight major municipalities, including Impasugong, Libona, and Malaybalay City.

The declaration serves two primary purposes:

  • Rejection of Insurgency: A formal, collective rejection of the CPP-NPA-NDF, citing the desire for security and progress within ancestral lands.
  • Institutionalizing the IPS: Strengthening the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) to ensure that customary laws and indigenous traditions remain the primary vehicle for cultural governance.

A Future-Oriented Mandate

“Your stand against insurgency in our ancestral land is not merely a decision—it is a strong testament to our love for our children,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jeorge Jallorina of the 8th Infantry Battalion, who lauded the initiative as a major step toward regional stability.

Higaonon tribal leaders, elders, and community members gathered at the Impasugong Municipal Dome for a formal peace and anti-insurgency declaration.
Leaders representing tribal communities from across Bukidnon assemble at the Impasugong Municipal Dome to strengthen regional security and cultural unity. (Photo supplied/8th Infantry Battalion, PA)

For the Higaonon, the assembly is about more than just security; it is about reclaiming the right to development. By focusing on indigenous-led peacebuilding, the tribal leaders aim to ensure that economic and social growth reaches the most remote ancestral domains.