Two supposed leaders and 19 members of an alleged fraudulent tribal group were arrested for usurpation of authority in Surigao City on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and other police units arrested “Datu Adlaw” and “Bae Lourdes,” the supposed leaders of the Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines (FTGP), and their 19 members at FTGP Compound in Barangay Sabang.

They were arrested by virtue of a warrant for usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code issued by a court on February 18, 2025. The court allowed them to post bail amounting to P30,000 each.

CIDG said “Datu Adlaw” has been claiming that FTGP is the new government that exists pursuant to the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (RA 8371).

However, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) earlier said that the group is not recognized as a legitimate Indigenous Peoples Organization.

NCIP issued a statement on January 26, 2025, warning the public to take caution in dealing with the group.

“The NCIP firmly reiterates that Republic Act 8371 (Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997) must not be exploited for personal interests or used in a manner that prejudices the rights of others. Legitimate ICCs/IPs uphold the Constitution and comply with all laws of the land while exercising their rights and preserving their traditions,” NCIP said.

Authorities said the group was also behind the padlocking of several establishments in Surigao City on January 24, 2025, for alleged violations of ancestral land rights and for allegedly violating the law of FGTP, which caused public disturbance.

The group also allegedly set up unauthorized checkpoints.

CIDG added that FTGP also allegedly recruited non-lumads with a membership fee of P1,200 and promised new recruits a monthly allowance of P25,000.

“We are now conducting investigation on the legality of the FTGP. Manhunt operations against the other remaining subjects of the warrant of arrest is ongoing. This successful operation reinforces CIDG’s commitment to ensuring that individuals who exploit and usurp government authority will be held accountable,” CIDG said.

The group arrested will also face 12 more cases, including alarm and scandal, malicious mischief, grave coercion, election gun ban, illegal recruitment, among others.

“Nakuha naman natin ang mga tao. Lumalabas na sunod-sunod na ang mga warrant kasi sa 12 na complaint na na-file namin, yung apat na kaso, may probable cause ang findings ng prosecutor kaya ang apat na kaso na na-resolve ng prosecutor, naglabas na warrant ito yung sa usurpation of authority,” Surigao City Police Office Chief, Lt. Col. Mariano Lucban, said.

(With reports from Jandi Esteban, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)