Vice Mayor Rodriguez addresses concerns over IP justice system

During the 88th regular session of the 20th City Council, Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez responded to Councilor Roberto Cabaring, also known as Datu Makilala, regarding his statements to the special report by Councilor James K. Judith II. The report proposed that disputes involving Indigenous Peoples (IPs) should be referred first to the Pasage (IP Justice System) before being lodged with the Katarungang Pambarangay.

Vice Mayor Rodriguez explained that the Katarungang Pambarangay is currently integrated into the law and followed nationwide.

"I understand and feel the sentiments of Councilor Cabaring. But the Katarungang Pambarangay is a national guideline we follow in the barangay. In fact, the court will only accept cases when there is a certificate to file action coming from the barangay," Vice Mayor Rodriguez said.

This follows Councilor Cabaring's observation that Cagayan de Oro has not fully implemented the IP Justice System, with Councilor Judith emphasizing that only 16 out of 80 barangays practice this system.

"However, the IPs can have their own program or system that we can adapt probably later on," Vice Mayor Rodriguez added, assuring Councilor Cabaring that the city would gradually develop programs and guidelines tailored for IPs.

The matter has been referred to the Committee on Cultural Communities, chaired by Councilor Cabaring, giving the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) a chance to conduct consultations and discuss it first with all the Datus and members under his leadership.