Innabuyog Kalinga

12/12/2025

DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATES OF KALINGA AGAINST CORRUPTION AND FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Today, December 10, 2025, during the Commemoration of the 77th International Human Rights Day, we come together for peace based on justice and strengthen our solidarity for the recognition of human rights in Kalinga.

We declare that:

1. In light of the growing crisis of corruption in our government, we call for urgent, transparent, and independent investigations into government officials and agencies, especially where corruption is linked to violations of human rights and misuse of public resources;

2. We assert that good governance is inseparable from human rights. We therefore demand accountability mechanisms that ensure public funds are used for social services, community development, and the welfare of the people – not for personal gain or political repression;

3. We oppose destructive projects – whether government-led or corporate-driven – that threaten our ancestral lands, waters, and livelihoods. We uphold our collective rights to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and reject any development imposed without genuine participation and consent of affected Indigenous communities;

4. We call for an end to red-tagging, harassment, and intimidation of Indigenous Peoples, community leaders, church workers, youth, and human rights advocates. Protecting human rights work is essential to a democratic and peaceful society;

5. We affirm the right of communities to organize, speak, and participate in decision-making processes without fear of reprisal. Civic spaces must remain open, safe, and accessible to all;
6. We call for strengthened social services – education, health, housing, and livelihood support – especially for marginalized and Indigenous communities whose rights and welfare have long been neglected;

7. Finally, we strongly urge the passage of a Human Rights Defenders Ordinance or Bill in the Province of Kalinga to ensure legal protection, recognition, and support for individuals, communities, and organizations working to defend human rights, ancestral lands, and the environment.

In unity, we commit to defending human dignity, ancestral lands, and the collective future of the people of Kalinga. We stand firm against corruption, repression, and all forms of human rights violations. We pledge to continue building a society rooted in justice, truth, and solidarity – where every person and every community can live with freedom, safety, and dignity.

Together, we raise our voices. Together, we defend our rights. Together, we build a just and peaceful Kalinga.

12/12/2025

Innabuyog Kalinga participated in this event.

10/12/2025

INNABUYOG STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: STOP THE VIOLENCE NOW, END REPRESSION, DEFEND CORDILLERA WOMEN

As we commemorate International Human Rights Day and conclude the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women (IDEVAW), Innabuyog-Gabriela joins all women globally in raising its collective voice to end gender-based violence and human rights violations. We condemn the continuing violence, discrimination, and repression that Cordillera women endure in their homes, communities, and ancestral lands. While the world commemorates this day in recognition of Universal Human Rights, the lived experiences of women in the region show that the struggle against gender-based violence, peace, and justice remains urgent and far from over.

In Kalinga and various parts of the Cordillera, heightened militarization continues to intensify the vulnerability of indigenous women, mothers, youth, and elders. Community reports show a deepening fear as military and police operations disrupt livelihoods, threaten the lives of civilians and the security of their communities, and weaken their indigenous value systems. The persistent presence and/or encampment of state forces in civilian communities such as in Uma, Lubuagan and other parts of the Cordillera have long been associated with threat, harassment, intimidation, surveillance, filing of trump-up charges and other human rights violations-- abuses that target women leaders and members, human rights defenders, and vocal critics of the government of injustice.

Innabuyog-Gabriela strongly condemns the forcible entry into the home of women’s human rights defender Elma Awingan-Tuazon, in November 30, 2025, a police operation reportedly conducted without due process which traumatized the family, especially the children. The forced entry is a blatant show of state arrogance, brazen, unlawful and aimed at silencing community resistance. The attack is not only a violation of an individual woman’s rights but also a direct assault on the collective rights of indigenous peoples and grassroots women advocates. Women human rights defenders in the Cordillera continue to face red-tagging, vilification and systemic attempts to silence their advocacy, creating situations that discourage women from speaking out, organizing, or defending their land and communities.

While political repression intensifies, cases of violence against women within homes, and communities remains widespread. (According to) DSWD-CAR, it has recorded 437 cases so far in 2025. In addition, child abuse remains a serious concern. In 2024 at least 137 cases of child abuse were recorded in 70 out of 77 municipalities in the region, with sexual abuse being the most common violation. Local women’s organization and service providers continue to document incidents of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and online sexual exploitation. Many survivors remain silent and unwilling to report these violations due to fear, stigma, and unavailable services. The state’s failure to provide support to survivors of gender-based violence, fair investigations, a safe and violence-free environment further deepens women’s vulnerabilities. VAW is not merely a private or domestic issue. It is a manifestation of the systemic inequalities and state neglect that silence women and allow impunity to thrive.

As we celebrate international Human Rights Day and conclude the 16 days of Activism Against VAW, Innabuyog-Gabriela stands in solidarity with all women survivors, indigenous peoples, and communities whose rights continue to be threatened and violated while they demand for justice, dignity, and lasting peace.
We reiterate our call for an immediate end to militarization in Kalinga and all Cordillera communities, ensuring that civilian communities remain free from state forces’ intimidation. We call for a thorough and independent investigation into the forcible entry and harassment of Elma Awingan-Tuazon and other women human rights defenders’ whose rights have been violated. We urge for the expansion of services for VAW victims such as safe havens/shelters, legal services, psychological support, and culturally sensitive services. Finally, we emphasize the need for crafting genuine policies that respond to the root causes of gender-based violence, including poverty, land grabbing, displacement, militarization, and the systemic marginalization of indigenous peoples.

On International Human Rights Day, we declare: Defend Cordillera Women. End VAW. End Militarization. Uphold Human Rights for all people.

INNABUYOG-GABRIELA
December 10, 2025

Pubmat: SLU-COMM 2B

09/12/2025

Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago on President Marcos Jr.’s call to prioritize Anti-Dynasty bill, and 3 other measures:

Ilang ulit nang fina-file ng Makabayan Bloc ang mga repormang ito sa Kongreso, lalo na para palakasin ang transparency, pananagutan, at tunay na representasyon ng mamamayan tulad ng:

1. HB 209 and House Bill 4784 - An Act Defining and Prohibiting Political Dynasties

2. House Bill 6193 - An Act to Ensure That The Party-list System Is Reserved For The Marginalized and Underrepresented

3. House Bill 6682 - Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill

Panahon na para baguhin ang sistemang korap at ipagbawal na sang-ayon sa Saligang Batas ang mga political dynasties at nag-aabuso sa partylist system.

Hindi dapat gamitin ni President Marcos Jr. ang mga panukalang reporma na ito ngayon upang i-redirect ang public scrutiny mula sa serye ng corruption issues na kinakaharap ng kanyang administrasyon—pati na rin ang mga seryosong alegasyong direktang sangkot ang Malacañang.

Any push for reform must not become an avenue to control the narrative and create the appearance of transparency without full accountability. # # #

09/12/2025

08/12/2025

06/12/2025

Hands-off: Elma Awingan-Tuazon: End State Attacks on Environmental Defenders

Environmental Defenders Congress vehemently condemns the latest act of state repression directed at indigenous environmental defender Elma Awingan-Tuazon and her family. The harassment carried out by members of the Kalinga police under PCol. Gilbert Fati-ig on November 30, 2025—where 11 armed personnel reportedly forced their way into her residence in Cawagayan, Pinukpuk—constitutes a blatant abuse of state power.

This incident cannot be separated from the wider pattern of attacks on environmental and Indigenous rights defenders in the Cordillera and across the country. With Pinukpuk heavily militarized by the 103rd IBPA, state forces have intensified their presence in civilian communities under military suspicions of insurgency. Instead of ensuring safety, this militarization has resulted in repeated harassment, intimidation, and surveillance—particularly against those actively resisting destructive projects and defending their ancestral domains.

As a convenor of Justice and Peace Advocates of Kalinga (JPAK) and Sumkad Umili para iti Matagoan, Karbengan, Aglawlaw, Daga ken Dayaw (SUMKADD), Elma consistently opposed large-scale dam and mining projects threatening the Saltan River and Kalinga ancestral lands.

Her stern resistance against profit-hunger development projects makes her a clear target in a climate where environmental defenders are increasingly criminalized, vilified, and subjected to state-orchestrated repression. Under heightened police and military operations underscores the dangerous reality that those who protect land and life are among the most at risk.

We stand with Elma Awingan-Tuazon and the communities of Kalinga who continue to face repression while groups such as CPA, CHRA, and Serve the People Brigade–Cordillera sustain humanitarian relief efforts amid disasters. Their work—rooted in solidarity and service—is being carried out under the shadow of intimidation by the very institutions mandated to uphold rights and safety.

We call on the public, civil society organizations, Indigenous communities, and all defenders of democracy and the environment to denounce this deliberate assault on environmental and human rights advocates. Attacks on environmental defenders are attacks on the people’s right to land, life, and self-determination. We demand accountability from those responsible and an end to the state’s repressive actions that endanger those who courageously defend their communities and the environment.

04/12/2025

Innabuyog – Kalinga Statement of support to Ms. Elma Cielo Awingan Tuazon and condemnation to the unlawful act perpetrated by Kalinga policemen

We come together to express our heartfelt support for Ms. Elma Cielo Awingan Tuazon—a caring mother, devoted wife, cherished friend, and a respected leader who is deeply committed to serving her community. As a proud member of the Limos tribe in Pinukpuk, Kalinga, she embodies the qualities of compassion and resilience. During her college years, she was an inspiring student leader and an active participant in the Progressive Igorots for Social Action (PIGSA), passionately advocating for the rights of those around her. Her journey includes important roles, such as serving as a former member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Pinukpuk and as the provincial coordinator of the National Alleviation of Poverty Commission (NAPC) in 2016. As the lead convenor of the Justice and Peace Advocates of Kalinga (JPAK) and the SUMKADD, she tirelessly works to unite voices against damaging developments that threaten her community.

From a young age, Elma has been a tireless advocate for students and youth, fighting for the right to quality education and for the protection of fundamental rights and welfare. After completing her degree, she transitioned to advocating for laborers and Indigenous peoples, and she has become a passionate defender of the environment. Her work with miners in Benguet exemplifies her dedication to uplifting those who are often marginalized. Elma’s commitment to safeguarding people’s rights and ancestral lands against exploitation speaks volumes about her character and strength.

When she decided to run for municipal councilor of Pinukpuk in 2013, she carried her values into her electoral agenda and won the trust of her community. During her term in the Sangguniang Bayan, Elma prioritized the needs and concerns of the people she serves. She is always willing to engage with her community, listening and learning alongside them; her approachable nature makes her a beloved figure among her constituents.
It’s essential to understand that her courageous voice regarding the potential consequences of development aggression projects like large-scale mining and dam constructions—does not signify that she opposes progress. Her stand against the construction of large dams along the Saltan River is born from a deep concern for the livelihoods of her community and the bonds among the Limos tribe. Elma is deeply aware of the environmental challenges that such projects can inflict on vulnerable communities.

As the lead convenor of SUMKADD, she organized important forums to discuss the impacts of large dams in Limos and Tabuk City, shedding light on the true beneficiaries of these projects and the disadvantages they bring. She has worked diligently to advocate and lobby with local government units and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) of Kalinga, amplifying the voices of her community. The collective and united efforts resulted in the termination of the JWPI’s application for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent regarding the proposed Saltan Dams—a testament to the power of collective action and community engagement.

It is particularly disheartening that, as we acknowledge the International Day for the Elimination of all Forms of Violence against Women (IDEVAW) every November, Ms. Tuazon faced harassment and intimidation just days later, on November 30, 2025. The experience of being confronted by more or less 20 men, some masked, in the safety of her own home in Cawagayan, Pinukpuk, must have been incredibly frightening. We strongly denounce this unlawful act of the state forces towards Ms. Tuazon and her family! Speaking out against corruption or social issues should never come at such a high cost. In a democratic nation like the Philippines, we should all be able to express our thoughts and concerns without fear of violence or intimidation. We stand firmly against any violation of her rights and the rights of others.

The attack on Elma is not just an assault on her; it is an attack on all women who courageously defend human rights. We stand in solidarity with Ms. Tuazon during this challenging time. We urge state forces to exercise care and compassion in their operations, respecting the rights of all individuals. Now more than ever, we must unite to protect and uplift women human rights defenders and ensure that they are safe while raising their voices for what is right.

02/12/2025

𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗬𝗢𝗚 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 | 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗘𝗟𝗠𝗔 𝗔𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗡-𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗭𝗢𝗡: 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦

Innabuyog-Gabriela strongly condemns the brazen and unlawful actions of the Kalinga Provincial Office under the leadership of PCOL Gilbert Fati-ig and 11 others against Elma Awingan-Tuazon and her family in Cawagayan, Pinukpuk, Kalinga on November 30,2025. The reported forcible entry into the house of Ms. Elma Awingan-Tuazon while she was away with her children is a clear violation of human rights and a direct attack to a committed women human rights defender of justice and peace.

Since the reported encounter between the 103rd Infantry Battalion and the New People’s Army (NPA), Elma and her family have been subjected to continuous intimidation, surveillance and harassment.

This harassment and intimidation has gravely endangered the safety and well-being of her children, one of whom has a heart condition that makes any form of stress or threat are potentially life-threatening.

The fear and anxiety caused by the forcible entry of police forces have created intense distress for the whole family, who are now fearing that their home and lives could be put at risk again. Ms. Awingan-Tuazon herself continues to face threat, intimidation and stress, targeted simply for her continued advocacy for human rights and her opposition to destructive development projects in her province. These actions are a deliberate attempt to silence a fearless woman human rights defender.

Elma Awingan-Tuazon is a long-time human rights defender, convenor of Justice and Peace Advocates of Kalinga (JPAK) and SUMKADD, and a three-term local councilor committed to the welfare of her community. The masked policemen who forcibly entered the house of Elma shows a reckless abuse of power and direct attack on women human rights defender and the safety of her family.

Innabuyog-Gabriela demands an immediate stop to all harassment, threats and attacks against Elma and her family. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Elma, her children, her family and all human rights defenders who risk their lives for justice, peace and the rights of their communities.

We call on authorities to conduct an immediate investigation and take appropriate administrative and criminal action against all police personnel responsible for the forcible entry and ransacking of Elma’s home.

We further challenge authorities to respect the law, uphold human rights, and protect-not to persecute those who defend the oppressed.






Innabuyog-Gabriela
December 2, 2025

21/11/2025

Junk the terrorist designation of the 4 CPA leaders!

Innabuyog-Gabriela continues to call for the revocation of the unjust terrorist designation against Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) leaders Windel Bolinget, Steve Tauli, Sarah Abellon-Alikes and Jennifer Awingan-Taggaoa, whose hearing was set, today, November 21, after repeated postponements. The delays have denied justice to the four Indigenous leaders.

It has been two years since the issuance of the designation by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) and freezing of CPA’s bank accounts. It has been two years of outright injustice for the four CPA leaders, whose lives and security remain at risk because of the terrorist designation. We reiterate that CPA’s proven track record of steadfast assertion of Indigenous peoples’ rights and people’s welfare is not an act of terrorism. The real acts of terrorism are the State attacks on human rights defenders by way of human rights violations, ranging from all forms of harassment, to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and arbitrary terrorist designation. If the State can weaponize the law to exact these crimes onto individuals critical of State policies and programs, then what more to ordinary people?

In addition to Sarah and Jennifer, there are Cordillera women resisting the judicial harassment and trumped-up against them: longtime development worker Petronila Guzman for alleged terrorism financing, former teacher and storekeeper Marcylyn Pilala for alleged terrorism financing and Bestang Dekdeken for cyberlibel. We also continue to call for the trumped-up charges against them to be dropped, and end to the filing of fabricated charges, and for the rule of law to be upheld.

It is in this light that Innabuyog-Gabriela continues to enjoin the public to stand with the four CPA leaders as they challenge the terrorist designation, including the freezing of CPA bank accounts and terrorist financing charges. Let us support the call to repeal the ATA. Weaponization of the law is an act of terrorism. Five years of the ATA has criminalized activism and legitimate dissent, resulting to more human rights violations in the Cordillera and the rest of the country.

Fight for our human rights, life and dignity.

Junk the Anti-Terrorism Act and Terrorism Financing, Prevention and Suppression Act!

Innabuyog-GABRIELA
Alliance of Indigenous Women’s Organizations in the Cordillera