TALAANDIG Chieftain Datu Wilbert Enecito has condemned false social media claims alleging he plans to shut down establishments in Talakag, similar to a recent incident in Surigao City.

The controversy follows the actions of Jergeto Corpuz Santisas, known as Datu Adlaw, whose unregistered tribal group alarmed Surigaonons by closing businesses for allegedly violating the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (Ipra) or Republic Act 8371.

Enecito firmly denied any involvement in such activities, stressing that he abides by government laws and the Ipra law.

“Gani giapil pa akong pangalan ato may mag unsa akong gibuhat didto nga wa man gani ko kaila didto,” Enecito told reporters.

PADLOCK CONTROVERSY. Talaandig Chieftain Datu Wilbert Enecito, speaking on February 15 in Barangay Lapok, Talakag, Bukidnon, condemns false allegations circulating on social media that wrongly link him to actions similar to those of Datu Adlaw in Surigao City. He clarifies that he has no intention of padlocking establishments and has always adhered to government regulations and the IPRA Law. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

He also criticized Datu Adlaw’s group, particularly their possession of deadly weapons.

“Nganong ga dala-dala sila sa ilang deadly weapon nga gibawal mana sa gobyerno samot na karon kay naa nata sa gun ban,” said Enecito.

Enecito clarified that the Milaletra Tribe, composed of the Mirayon, Lapok, Lirongan, and Tinaytayan communities, respects government regulations.

“Nagsunod gyud mi kung unsa ang balaod sa gobyerno. Tumanon gyud nato na, pinasubay sa Ipra law,” said Enecito, urging those spreading misinformation to stop tarnishing his name.

A devout Roman Catholic, Enecito said he has lived a peaceful life and has never engaged in violence.