Non Moro Indigenous Peoples Youth Network

21/09/2026

Nakapahalaga ng boto ng 2 NMIP Representative sa pag-pili ng Chief Minister sa Bangsamoro, dalawang boto na magtatalaga ng bagong gubyerno, dahil wala silang pulitikal affliations.

See why: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DWnNBmLSP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

17/09/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐓

Kesëgita Fiyo Tërësang Rab Këtinanëk!

Mga Minamahal kong NMIPS,

Opisyal at pormal na kaming ipinroklama ng COMELEC noong gabi ng September 16, 2026, na simbolo ng pagsisimula ng aming mandato bilang mga Members of Parliament ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) na kumakatawan sa mga Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs) sa loob ng BARMM.

Sa pagsisimula ng gawaing ipinagkatiwala sa amin, nais kong magpasalamat sa mga tao at institusyong naging bahagi ng prosesong naghatid sa amin dito.

Sa 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗮𝘆 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻, maraming salamat sa tiwala at kumpiyansang ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin bilang nominado ng tribong Tëduray sa ginanap na Tribal Assembly.

Sa 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺 𝗻𝗮 𝗡𝗠𝗜𝗣 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 - 𝗟𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻, 𝗧ë𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘆, 𝗘𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘂𝘃𝘂, 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗯𝘂 𝗗𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻, 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗮𝗻, 𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗻 - 𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗮 𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗶-𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀, maraming salamat sa pagtitiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin at sa responsibilidad na i- representa kayo sa Bangsamoro Parliament sa pamamagitan ng Inter-Tribal Convention.

Sa 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀' 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀, maraming salamat sa tapat ninyong pagtupad sa inyong mandato na ipatupad ang mga polisiya at alituntuning may kaugnayan sa mga karapatan at kapakanan ng mga Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples sa BARMM.

Sa 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖, maraming salamat sa tapat ninyong pagtupad sa inyong konstitusyonal at legal na mandato at sa pangunguna sa pagpapatupad ng batas na nagbigay-daan sa representasyong ito.

Sa pagharap ko sa responsibilidad na ito, dala ko hindi lamang ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob sa akin, kundi pati ang mga tinig, mithiin, at hangarin ng mga Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples.

Ang representasyong ito ay bunga ng kolektibong pasya at pagtitiwala ng mga NMIP groups, kaya ang mandatong ito ay hindi sesentro lamang sa interes ng iisang grupo. Sa halip, dala nito ang responsibilidad na kumatawan sa magkakaibang tinig, pananaw, at adhikain ng ating mga pamayanan, at isulong ang mga usaping may kabuluhan sa ating sama-samang kinabukasan sa Bangsamoro.

Sa lahat ng nagpaabot ng kanilang taos-pusong pagbati, mula sa sektor ng kababaihan, kabataan, peace advocates, gayundin sa aking mga kamag-anak at mga kaibigan, maraming salamat sa inyong mainit at makabuluhang pagbati. Lubos akong
nagagalak at nagpapasalamat sa inyong bawat mensahe, suporta, at mabubuting hangarin. Tunay na nakakataba ng puso ang inyong pagpapakita ng pagmamahal at pagkalinga sa akin at sa buong NMIPs.

Kasama ko kayo sa pagsisimula ng paglalakbay na ito. At sa bawat hakbang na tatahakin natin mula ngayon, lagi't lagi, kasama ko kayo. Nawa'y samahan ninyo ako.

Mëuyag! Mëhagtay! Mëdmelayag! Mauyag!

𝐌𝐏 𝐉𝐎 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐍𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍-𝐉𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑
Member of Parliament
Representing the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the First Regular Bangsmoro Parliament

15/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DcLp7BP4R/?mibextid=wwXIfr

TWO INDIGENOUS VOICES FORMALLY PROCLAIMED TO BARMM PARLIAMENT

Jover-Martin and Datuwata to represent Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the region’s first elected Parliament

COTABATO CITY — September 16, 2026 — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) formally proclaimed MP Jo Genna Martin Jover of the Tëduray Indigenous Peoples and MP Leticio Lalison Datuwata of the Lambangian Indigenous Peoples as the two Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) representatives to the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Their proclamation completes the selection of the NMIP sectoral/reserved representatives following the Regional Inter-Tribal Convention held in Cotabato City on August 25, 2026, where Indigenous delegates selected Jover and Datuwata to represent the NMIP sector.

The two representatives will occupy the two NMIP seats within the 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament. The Parliament consists of 40 party representatives, 32 district representatives and eight sectoral representatives.

The selection follows the rotational arrangement established through the NMIP inter-tribal process, with the Tëduray and Lambangian communities designated for the first cycle of representation.

Their formal proclamation comes two days after the September 14 first regular parliamentary elections in BARMM, which marked the transition from the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority to an elected regional Parliament.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR NMIP REPRESENTATION

For Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples, the proclamation marks a significant institutional moment, their representation in the Bangsamoro Parliament is established through a sectoral mechanism distinct from the regular party and district elections.

Jover and Datuwata now enter a Parliament tasked with exercising legislative powers of the Bangsamoro Government and participating in the selection of the region’s Chief Minister.

Their mandate places Indigenous concerns including ancestral domain, Indigenous political participation, cultural preservation, environmental protection, basic services and the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights within the region’s first elected parliamentary government.

The BARMM Indigenous Gazette will continue to document the work of the two NMIP representatives and the communities they represent as the Bangsamoro begins its new elected parliamentary chapter.

BARMM INDIGENOUS GAZETTE
The voice of Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro Region

08/09/2026

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

On the Alleged Threats and Intimidation Against NMIP Youth Exercising Freedom of Speech and Expression

WE, THE NON-MORO INDIGENOUS YOUTH NETWORK (NMIPYN), STRONGLY CONDEMN THE ALLEGED THREATS, INTIMIDATION, AND OTHER FORMS OF PRESSURE DIRECTED AGAINST INDIGENOUS YOUTH WHO ARE EXERCISING THEIR CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION.

The youth of the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs) have every right to speak, express their views, question government actions, participate in political discourse, and criticize public officials particularly on matters affecting their communities, rights, representation, and future.

Our young Indigenous leaders must not be silenced simply because their voices are uncomfortable, critical, or contrary to the interests of those in positions of authority.
Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution expressly provides:
“No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the Government for redress of grievances.”

This constitutional protection is not reserved for those who agree with government officials. It is most important precisely when citizens question authority, expose concerns, demand accountability, and challenge decisions affecting the public.
The Supreme Court, in Labargan v. People, G.R. No. 246824, December 6, 2023, reiterated that statements concerning public officers and their discharge of official duties are protected unless the prosecution establishes actual malice. The Court emphasized that public officials especially elected officials must be prepared to face public scrutiny and criticism.

The Court further recognized that “a public official, more especially an elected one, should not be onion-skinned,”emphasizing that public officials are expected to act with responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency and remain accountable to the people.

The Supreme Court likewise stressed that public office is a public trust and that persons clothed with public authority, particularly those elected by the people, must be prepared for public scrutiny and criticism inherent in their positions.

This does not mean that every statement made by a citizen is automatically protected, nor does it give anyone a license to commit unlawful acts. But legitimate criticism, political expression, peaceful assembly, and advocacy concerning matters of public interest cannot simply be treated as wrongdoing merely because they challenge those in power.

WE ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED BY RECENT REPORTS

We are particularly alarmed by reports that some NMIP youth have allegedly received threatening voicemails, emails, messages, and other communications and hiring of private armed groups to silent them following their participation in recent political activities concerning NMIP representation.
If these reports are substantiated, such acts are deeply disturbing and must not be normalized.

No Indigenous young person and young leaders should be made to feel that speaking about their rights, questioning political processes, criticizing public officials, or advocating for their community will expose them to threats or retaliation.

THREATS MUST NEVER BECOME THE PRICE OF SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER.

The NMIP youth are not enemies of government. They are members of the communities that government officials are sworn to serve.

Their voices are part of the democratic process.
Their criticisms are part of public discourse.
Their participation is part of democracy.
And their Indigenous identity does not diminish their constitutional rights.

We therefore call upon all elected and appointed public officials, government employees, political leaders, and other persons exercising public authority to respect the constitutional rights of NMIP youth to freedom of speech, expression, peaceful assembly, and petition for redress of grievances.

We further call for the responsible investigation of any credible reports of threats, intimidation, harassment, or retaliation against Indigenous youth because of their political expression or participation.

POWER MUST NEVER BE USED TO SILENCE THE PEOPLE.

Public officials who serve the people must have the courage to listen even when the message is critical, uncomfortable, or painful.

The answer to criticism in a democracy is not intimidation.
The answer is accountability.
The answer is dialogue.
The answer is transparency.
The answer is to respect the people's right to speak.
As Indigenous youth, we will continue to stand for the dignity, rights, identity, and meaningful political participation of the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples.

WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED BY FEAR.
WE WILL NOT ABANDON OUR RIGHT TO SPEAK.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO SPEAK—PEACEFULLY, COURAGEOUSLY, AND WITHIN THE PROTECTION OF THE CONSTITUTION.

The voice of the Indigenous youth is not a threat to democracy.
It is democracy.

NON-MORO INDIGENOUS YOUTH NETWORK
For Indigenous Rights, Youth Participation, Democracy, and Accountability

26/08/2026

PHOTOS | Historic NMIP Inter-Tribal Convention in the Bangsamoro

The Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) Inter-Tribal Convention in the Bangsamoro convened Indigenous representatives from various tribes to select their two representatives to the BARMM Parliament.

Jo Genna M. Jover, a Teduray and member of the Indigenous Women Center, was selected as the female NMIP representative, while Leticio L. Datuwata of the Lambangian Tribe was selected as the male NMIP representative.

Their selection marks a significant milestone in strengthening the political representation and participation of Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

19/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D9TwdSEJz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

18/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HmgYoUSJJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Grupo ng mga Teduray, nanawagan sa mga political party at iba pang grupo na igalang ang kanilang proseso sa pagpili ng kinatawan sa Parliament

NANAWAGAN ang Indigenous Peoples Professionals Organization sa mga lider ng Teduray, Indigenous Peoples organizations, civil society groups, religious communities at iba pang stakeholder na pairalin ang pagkakaisa, respeto at mapayapang dayalogo sa nalalapit na Parliamentary Election sa BARMM.

Sa inilabas nitong pahayag ngayong araw, August 18, binigyang-diin ng grupo ang kahalagahan ng dalawang reserved seats para sa Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples o NMIP sa BARMM Parliament.

Ayon sa organisasyon, mahalagang pagkilala ang mga puwestong ito sa pagkakakilanlan, karapatan, mithiin at pakikilahok ng mga NMIP sa pamamahala ng Bangsamoro.

Layunin ng mga reserved seat na magsilbing daan upang maipahayag ng mga katutubong komunidad ang kanilang mga isyu at kinatawan ang kanilang kolektibong interes sa Parliament.

Hinimok din ng grupo ang mga non-partisan organizations at political leaders na suportahan ang isang bukas, inklusibo, malinaw at demokratikong proseso upang tunay na representasyon ng mga NMIP ang lumitaw.

Nanawagan din ito sa mga political party at kanilang mga miyembro na igalang ang kalayaan at integridad ng proseso ng Indigenous Peoples at iwasang manghimasok o gumawa ng mga hakbang na maaaring makaimpluwensya o makasira sa karapatan ng komunidad na pumili ng kanilang kinatawan.

Ayon sa grupo, dapat idokumento at idaan sa naaangkop at legal na mga proseso ang anumang hinaing, panukala at posisyon, at kung kinakailangan ay iharap ang mga ito sa mga kinauukulang awtoridad para sa tamang interpretasyon at resolusyon.

Binigyang-diin din ng organisasyon na dapat resolbahin sa pamamagitan ng mapayapang dayalogo, paggalang sa batas at non-violent communication ang anumang pagkakaiba ng pananaw, lalo na sa hanay ng iba’t ibang Indigenous communities sa BARMM.

Naniniwala ang grupo na ang pagkakaisa, dignidad at pagkakakilanlang pampolitika bilang Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples ang kanilang pinakamalaking lakas upang matiyak ang tunay na representasyon sa Bangsamoro Parliament.

Hinimok nito ang lahat na pangalagaan ang kapayapaan at tiyaking magiging inklusibo at demokratiko ang proseso, alinsunod sa mithiin ng mga Indigenous communities.

“United in dignity. United in dialogue. United for genuine Indigenous representation,” ayon sa Indigenous Peoples Professionals Organization.

18/08/2026

𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

A CALL FOR UNITY AMONG THE TEDURAY PEOPLES

𝔚e, the Indigenous Peoples Professionals Organization, respectfully call upon Teduray leaders, Indigenous Peoples organizations, civil society groups, religious communities, and other stakeholders to uphold unity, mutual respect, and peaceful dialogue amid the upcoming Parliamentary Election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The creation of the two reserved seats for Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) in the BARMM Parliament is a significant recognition of our identity, rights, aspirations, and participation in the governance of the Bangsamoro. These seats are intended to provide a meaningful avenue for Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples to articulate their concerns, represent their communities, and advance their collective aspirations within the Parliament.

In this regard, we respectfully encourage non-partisan organizations and political leaders to support an open, inclusive, transparent, and democratic process that allows genuine Non-Moro Indigenous representation to emerge. We likewise appeal to political parties and their members to respect the independence and integrity of the Indigenous Peoples' processes and to refrain from actions that may unduly influence, interfere with, or undermine the legitimate exercise of the community's rights to determine their representation.

We further encourage all concerned groups and individuals to document their concerns, proposals, and positions through appropriate and lawful channels and, when necessary, bring them before the competent authorities for proper interpretation and resolution. This is part of the democratic process.

Differences in views should be addressed through peaceful dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and non-violent communication, particularly among the diverse Indigenous communities of the BARMM.

Our greatest strength is our capacity to listen to one another and engage in genuine dialogue. Our collective power lies in our unity, our shared dignity, and our political identity as Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro.

Let us protect the peace, uphold mutual respect, and ensure that the process remains inclusive, democratic, and faithful to the aspirations of our Indigenous communities.

May the Almighty Creator guide our leaders, enlighten our hearts and minds, and bless the Teduray Peoples with unity, wisdom, peace, and genuine representation.

United in dignity. United in dialogue. United for genuine Indigenous representation.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES PROFESSIONALS ORGANIZATION
August 18, 2026
Bangsamoro Region

15/08/2026

CUSTOMARY LAW VS. POLITIKAL NA PAKIKIALAM: SINO ANG MAY AUTHORITY?

Bakit may ilang pulitikong umaangal sa paglalapat ng customary laws sa proseso ng pagpili ng mga kinatawan ng Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs)? Malinaw sa IPRA (RA 8371), Bangsamoro Organic Law (RA 11054), at Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BAA 35) na kinikilala at pinoprotektahan ang customary laws, indigenous processes, consensus-building, at Indigenous Political Structures (IPS) sa pagpili ng mga kinatawan ng NMIPs.
Sa COMELEC Resolution No. 11235, kinilala rin ang papel ng IPS sa pagtukoy ng criteria para sa participation ng kanilang mga community members sa Tribal Assembly, alinsunod sa customary laws. Ibig sabihin, ang proseso ay hindi dapat basta kopya ng mainstream political system. Ang Baglalan, Timuay, Datu at iba pang tradisyunal na liderato ay bahagi ng Indigenous Political Structures, samantalang ang mga IPMR, Mayor, MP at iba pang government officials ay kabilang sa mainstream government structure.

Kaya linawin natin: ang paggalang sa customary law ay hindi diskriminasyon kundi pagkilala sa karapatan, kultura, at self-determination ng Indigenous Peoples. Ang reserved seats ay nilikha upang tiyaking may tunay at independiyenteng representasyon ng mga katutubo—hindi upang gawing extension ng mainstream political machinery. Kung ang batas mismo ang nagsasabing may primacy ang customary laws at indigenous processes, hindi dapat manaig ang political convenience sa karapatan ng mga katutubo.

07/08/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1690580496408464&id=100063695895361&mibextid=wwXIfr