A historic achievement of the NMIP’s assertion of representation in BARMM Parliament
Fiyo Bagi!
LOYUKAN recognizes and celebrates with the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples a landmark achievement in their long and challenging struggle for full inclusion of their rights in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In the exercise of their customary practice, traditional governance system, and consensus-building, the NMIPs selected their two representatives to the first elected BARMM Parliament. We laud the agreement that the two representatives be a woman and a man; and we commend, with deep respect, the arrangement of rotational representation in each election cycle. For the first term of 5 years - the representatives are Timuay Labi Leticio Datuwata, a Lambangian, and Jo Genna Jover, a Teduray. For the next term, they will come from Erumanen ne Menuvu and Dulangan Manobo; and the next will be from Higaonon and Blaan. This arrangement is an embodiment of inclusivity, collectiveness, and solidarity. Jen Cornelio, a Teduray woman leader, who is part of the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples Committee, which organized and oversaw the Tribal Assemblies and the Inter-Tribal Convention, said “Ito ang mukha ng tunay na representasyon at partisipasyon.” (“This is how genuine representation and representation look like.”)
While we recognize that the struggle for the NMIPs within BARMM is far from over, we take time to celebrate this historic moment. We witness today the fruits of the arduous assertion of the NMIPs in different spaces - within the national bureaucracy, the halls of Congress, the conference rooms with different stakeholders, on national and regional media, and collective actions with other indigenous communities and IP rights advocates.
Yet again, we know more challenges lie ahead, but the decades of the NMIP struggle are a testimony of their strength and courage as peoples. LOYUKAN continues to support and stand in solidarity with them.
August 26, 2026
LOYUKAN
Teduray term for friends and comrades
Rizelle Campo Andil
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