Up to 76 Indigenous Peoples ((IP) leaders in Misamis Oriental have withdrawn their support for the New People’s Army (NPA) and declared the rebel group persona non grata.

According to the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), the IP leaders are from the Higaonon tribe and represented various areas, including Barangay Bantaawan, Gingoog City and Sitio Lantad, Barangay Kibanban, Barangay Bolahan, and Samay in Balingasag town.

4ID said the declaration was in response to concerns regarding the alleged involvement of some IPs with the communist group ‘that have been linked to actions undermining local security and peace.’

During the activity facilitated by the 58th Infantry Battalion, the tribe’s sacred rituals were conducted to signify their united stand against the NPA.

“This was particularly significant given the historical context of the Balatukan Mountain Complex, where former NPA strongholds, such as Sitio Anaw in Barangay Bantaawan and Sitio Lantad in Kibanban, have been pivotal areas in past conflicts,” the 4ID said.

“The declaration of the Higaonon Tribe leaders is seen as a significant step toward a violence-free community. It is expected that this move will inspire other local leaders to make similar declarations, further contributing to peacebuilding efforts across the province,” 4ID added.