PNP arrests 23, rescues 9 minors in crackdown on Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines

DAVAO  CITY – Police authorities arrested 23 individuals, including the leader of the Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines (FTGP). They rescued nine minors during an operation in Purok 5, Barangay Sabang, Surigao City, on Thursday morning, February 20.

Jorgeto Corpuz Santisas, also known as “Datu Adlaw,” and Lourdes Infante Salinas, another group leader, were among those apprehended.

Personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group—Regional Field Unit 13 (CIDG RFU 13) Surigao del Norte carried out the arrest, with support from the PNP Special Action Force, Surigao City Police Station, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFC)—Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Norte Police Mobile and Tactical Division Team (PMDT). City Traffic Management Office – Surigao City, City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) – Surigao del Norte.

According to the report submitted to Criminal  Investigation and Detection Group Director Major General Nicalos Torre,  those arrested included 5 women, including 2 mothers and 1 senior citizen 9, minors, who were later placed under the custody of the CSWD

Judge Maureen Feliza-Chua, Presiding Judge of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Branch 2 of Surigao City, issued the arrest warrant for the Usurpation of Authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code.

A ₱30,000 bail was recommended for the suspects’ temporary release.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has issued advisories concerning the FTGP, stating that:

The FTGP is not recognized as a legitimate Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) by the NCIP or the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in the Caraga Region.

The group has been involved in unauthorized activities, such as setting up checkpoints and closing establishments, falsely citing the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) to legitimize their actions.

These activities have been deemed as usurpation of legitimate government functions, causing public alarm and disruption.

The NCIP emphasizes that while the IPRA recognizes the inherent right of ICCs/IPs to self-governance and self-determination, this does not extend to establishing a separate government or infringing upon the authority of the State. The FTGP has been accused of soliciting funds and favors under the guise of a legitimate IPO, primarily for personal gain.

Authorities confirmed that the operation was conducted under the CIDG’s Oplan Pagtugis, a campaign against wanted persons and criminal organizations.

Police also noted that Datu Adlaw’s group was responsible for last month’s lockdown of several business establishments in Surigao City.

Meanwhile, the NCIP clarified that Santisas’ group is not a legitimate tribal organization, further discrediting its authority claims.