Some 303 members of the Badjao tribe who are suspected to be victims of human trafficking were rescued by the police on June 4, 2021. Authorities from the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) suspected that they were brought to Manila by a human trafficking syndicate to make them work as manual laborers. Among the 263 who were interviewed, 156 were adults while 107 were minors. Many answered that they were transported under the guise that they would be visiting family in Manila when in reality that would not be the case.
This incident is the latest update in a series of reports regarding the movement of indigenous people by an unknown person. The Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) first received information regarding the issue on April 27 that a group of Badjao members was traveling to Manila. Later, on May 5, the police rescued 18 Badjao people, 10 of whom were minors. After that, another six Badjaos, including three minors were rescued on May 30.
Who are the Indigenous Peoples?
“Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live.”
Defined by the United Nations.
Depending on the situation, Indigenous peoples may also be referred to as Aboriginal peoples, Native peoples, and First peoples.
While the exact number of Indigenous peoples in the Philippines is unknown, it is estimated to encompass between 10% to 20% of the national population.
There are numerous Indigenous groups in the Philippines, each with its own distinct cultures and traditions. In the northern part of Luzon, more specifically Cordillera, they are known as the Igorot. On the other hand, the groups in the southern islands of Mindanao are known as the Lumad. There are many smaller groups known as the Mangyan who reside on the island of Mindoro and are known to be scattered around Visayas Islands and Luzon.
More formally known as Sama Dilaut, the Badjao, in particular, are a nomadic tribal group found in many coastal areas, scattered around the waters and shores of the Sulu archipelago. The Badjao people were given the name “Sea Gypsies” because they traditionally lived and traveled on their small houseboats called vintas.
What makes them vulnerable?
Indigenous peoples are often exposed to marginalization and discrimination within a country’s legal system, leaving them at risk of abuse and exploitation.
KATRIBU, which is the national alliance of the regional indigenous peoples’ organizations, “recorded 37 cases of extrajudicial executions of indigenous peoples, 62 illegal arrests, 21 political prisoners, 20 incidents of forced evacuation that affected 21,966 indigenous peoples, more than a hundred people faced charges, and the forced closure of 34 Lumad schools since Duterte assumed the presidency in July 2016.”
This discrimination is a prominent factor in the cause of extreme poverty among Indigenous groups. Making up 15% of the world’s extremely poor, they are more prone to landlessness, internal displacement, and malnutrition compared to other marginalized groups.
Current Action being taken
Regarding the Case
The IACAT is looking into the recent mass transfer of members of the Badjao group to Manila. Justice Secretary Menardo
Guevarra also mentioned that there is an ongoing investigation on the identity of the person responsible for financing or organizing the travel of the Badjao people.
Meanwhile, the victims were placed in a temporary shelter in Quezon City under the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” program of the National Housing Authority (NHA). They were sent home while few had to stay behind for medical reasons.
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Republic Act No. 8371, also known as the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), was enacted in 1997.
It is “an act to recognize, protect and promote the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples, to create a National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, establishing implementing mechanisms, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes.”
The Act makes provision for the promotion and recognition of the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). Intending to preserve their culture, traditions, and institutions, it focuses on ensuring equal protection and non-discrimination of Indigenous peoples. The IPRA covers the protection of their cultural integrity, as well as their rights to ancestral domains, self-governance and empowerment, social justice, and human rights.
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